The Origin

Decaf coffee often gets a bad rap. But what if we told you there's a decaf so delicious, so full of flavour, that it rivals even the finest caffeinated coffees? Meet our Colombia Sugarcane Decaf, a remarkable coffee from El Vergel Estate.

The story of El Vergel Estate is one of resilience, innovation, and a deep love for the land. It began in 1995 as a successful avocado farm, run by the parents of the Bayter family. But when avocado prices plummeted in 2006 due to a devastating disease, the family faced a critical decision. Martha, the Bayter matriarch, bravely decided to diversify, introducing coffee varieties like Catimor, Red Caturra, and Yellow Caturra.

This marked the beginning of a new chapter. The Bayters, along with coffee enthusiast Nelson Moya, embarked on a journey of learning and experimentation, exploring different pulping and fermentation techniques. They earned Rainforest certification, demonstrating their commitment to sustainable practices.

In 2016, a pivotal meeting with Miguel Jimenez, an expert in specialty coffees, transformed El Vergel's trajectory. They began planting varieties like Gesha, Java, Pacamara, Red Bourbon, and Laurina, achieving their first harvests of these exceptional coffees in 2017. But the Bayters didn't stop there. In 2018, they embraced natural coffee processing, experimenting with aerobic and anaerobic fermentation. They invested in silos for storage and, most notably, became pioneers in Colombia by adopting the Koji fermentation process, a revolutionary technique that has redefined green coffee development. Today, El Vergel Estate boasts over 28 coffee varietals.

This particular coffee, our Colombia Sugarcane Decaf, undergoes a unique and gentle decaffeination process. It begins with special fermentations designed to enhance the coffee's inherent flavors. Then, the caffeine is extracted using a blend of water and ethyl acetate in circular containers. This natural process, often referred to as "sugarcane decaffeination" (as ethyl acetate can be derived from sugarcane), reduces the caffeine content to a mere 0.1% without compromising the coffee's complex flavor profile.

The result is a decaf that defies expectations. Grown at an altitude of 1450 meters above sea level, the Red and Yellow Caturra varietals thrive in this ideal microclimate. The careful sugarcane decaffeination process preserves the inherent qualities of these beans, resulting in a SCA cup score of 85. Expect a bright and balanced cup, characterized by refreshing citrus notes and the delicate sweetness of almond the meticulous process guarantees a smooth, flavorful, and highly enjoyable cup.

The Bayter family, led by Martha Montenegro and her partners Elias and Shady, are not just producing exceptional coffee; they're building a thriving community. Their vision blends technological innovation with a passion for coffee, creating a positive impact on everyone at El Vergel Estate.

If you're looking for a decaf that delivers on taste and supports a remarkable family legacy, look no further. Our Colombia Sugarcane Decaf is a testament to the power of innovation, dedication, and a deep love for coffee.

Collect the Cards

Every coffee we source has an incredible story – an epic journey from its origin to your cup at home or in store. To honor this, we commission unique illustrated cards for each of our featured coffees.

These aren't just labels; they're collectible pieces of art that celebrate the very essence of each coffee. Each card is a small, beautiful tribute to the farm, the community, and the landscape where our beans are grown, captured by the hands of a talented artist.

We believe that every cup is an adventure, and these cards are your personal mementos. Collect them with every bag you purchase and build your own gallery of the world's most incredible coffee journeys. Each card is a new page in your coffee story.