Hi all,
Impressive knowledge base on this site. Long time Lurker first time poster.

My new Rocket Giotto Pro and Vario are on the way, the GE Merlin reverse osmosis system is ordered and the plumber is scheduled for Saturday. The only thing I need is beans and then giddy up.

The biggest problem is the wife and I are both fairly caffeine intolerant so we drink Decaf. Home roasting is just not in the cards for now as the wife has totally nixed the idea. Especially given the cash outlay for the new machine, water system, grinder and high altitude drip brewer (who knew).

So my issue is where do you get quality decaffeinated beans in Canada? To date we have been pretty disappointed by most. We need some good drip beans and espresso blend recommendations.

Has anyone tried CO2 processed decaf that can compare it to SWP or MC decaf?

The 49th parallel which seems to receive really praise has a decaf espresso blend that is SWP but I read in a post that it was underwhelming. Any other comments?

Through independent research I have found 2 companies with CO2 processed decaf beans. Bean North in Yukon and Alternative Grounds in Toronto. Alternative Grounds seems to focus more on the cause (tree hugger aspect) than the coffee and despite Bean North seeming to be the real deal, I am concerned about transit time. Does anyone have any experience with these roasters or will I be the guinea pig?

Green Beanery seems to have a huge selection of decaf bean but then again seems to be more a supermarket for coffee than a specialty roaster. Does anyone have experience with them and their coffee?

Any other suggestions for beans or roasters are welcome, preferably in Canada, the Calgary area is even better.

Thanks for reading and sorry about the diatribe.

I think 49th Parallel's decaf is pretty decent. It's really only underwhelming when compared to non-decaf.

You could also check out Phil & Sebastian's and Fratello Coffee Roasters in Calgary. Never tried either of their decafs, but met them when they were in Montreal for the 2008 Canadian Barista Championships, and I know they know their coffee.

Fratello's coffee is good if you can get it fresh. I was getting it through my local coffee shop and it was always a month old, even if I ordered something special that the shop doesn't brew. They have delivery service in Calgary. I'd try them. I've had their decaf, but haven't had good results, which I assume is mostly for the above reason.

You can also try Cupper's Coffee & Tea in Lethbridge. They've got great stuff and will custom blend for you. I haven't tried their decaf, which is SWP. Their Rocket Brand espresso is very good as is their Dirt Bag blend.