Ethiopia Yirgacheffe Natural Swiss Water Decaf

About Ethiopia Yirgacheffe Natural Swiss Water Decaf

Arrived June 2025. This is a small lot offering of Ethiopia Yirgacheffe Chelbesa Natural Grade 1, decaffeinated by Swiss Water. They are beginning to make shmall and special lots available so that you can have some top coffees, but decaffeinated.

This Grade 1 Yirgacheffe grew at altitude between 1,950 and 2,100 meters. Once harvested, ripe cherry is transported to the Alemayehu Tilahun Drying Station where they are sorted, then dried on raised African beds over a period of 15 to 20 to ensure uniform, clean drying.

• Country of Origin: Ethiopia
• Region:  Southern Nations
• Zone: Gedeo
• District: Gedeb
• Producers: 412 smallholder members in Worka Chelbesa Village
• Varieties: Heirloom Dega and Kurume
• Altitude: 1,950 - 2,100 meters
• Processing: Natural
• Drying: Raised African Beds

The process, originally invented and performed in Switzerland, moved to Vancouver, British Columbia Canada about 20 years ago. During the ensuing years the process has gotten better and better and, when performed on coffee that began of high quality, has a very satisfying outcome for those who need to eliminate caffeine but who want to enjoy quality coffee. 99.9% of caffeine is removed during the Swiss Water decaffeination process, all done with pure water.

Chelbesa Grade 1 coffee cherries on drying beds

Swiss Water developed something they call Green Coffee Extract (GCE) which is water fully laden with coffee essence; it is introduced to the beans and caffeine removal begins. Caffeine ventures out on its own, away from the coffee beans into the GCE until the ratio of soluble compounds in the GCE to the compounds in the coffee reach the point of equilibrium. Caffeine and GCE flow continuously through proprietary carbon filters until all the caffeine is trapped and separated from the GCE. Then the GCE is refreshed so that it can be used again and again to remove more caffeine. Using this method of caffeine extraction allows the beans to maintain their original taste components.

When quality coffees are selected and processed in this manner it is a winning formula. We continue to be impressed by the quality of the decafs being offered by the water decaffeination companies.

Roasting Notes: This coffee can be roasted on the lighter side to accentuate fruit or a bit darker for deeper flavors but will reduce fruit noters. Roast to FC, pull at or just before 2nd crack to fully develop the body.

Cup Characteristics: Some blueberry notes, albeit mildly reduced with decaffeination. Bright, juicy. Extra flavorful for those who need to limit caffeine intake while wanting to preserve berry notes.