Bottom line: I'm looking for a green decaf that doesn't taste like decaf.

SM's publishes a corp "arrival" date and reasonable international shipping, among other good things, and that's the reason I prefer recommendations from their current list.

Currently, their decaf list sounds impressive but I'd like to hear from fellow home baristas. Anything on that list without the decaf funk; something really good?


edit: specifically, any opinions on:
1. Kenya Nyeri Ndiaini-Kiagundo WP Decaf
2. Guatemala La Maravilla SWP Decaf
3. Ethiopia Organic Guji Sidamo SWP Decaf

I've only tried the Guatemala La Maravilla SWP Decaf and find it to be very good.

Thank you Ed. How would you compare it to a non-decaf, i.e. do you get any of that "decaf" taste, is it more muted, etc?

Often beans that are used for decaf are of lesser quality but this is not the case with this lot. Tom rated the decaf just .4 points below the original lot. .2 off the brightness and .2 off the wet aroma. SWP seems much improved from a few years ago. It's not perfect but at least gives an enjoyable cup IMO. I do night-time milk drinks with decafs. During the day I do non-decaf straight shots. Generally I've found Tom's decafs across the board to be about as good as I can find. And freshness of the greens I find to be more important with decafs and trust Tom with this issue.

Alright, that's a great recommendation

Should I vacuum seal and freeze green decafs once I get them to preserve for as long as possible? Maybe for a year?

My wife is the decafe drinker in the family but I taste enough to give an impression.

There is a big difference in decafe if you want to use it for espresso or regular brewed coffee.

I have not found a single decafe that I've found acceptable for straight espresso. Previous SM decafes that were pretty good for standard sized cappas were Rwanda and Sumatra's recommended by Tom as being good SO espressos.

Their past decafe offering of Guatamala Huehuetenago was quite good in French Press or Vac Pot brewing. I have the current Guatemala Huehuetenago Finca Maravilla (not decafe version) and it is OUTSTANDING both brewed and as a straight SO espresso. In fact I am in the middle of a home blend where it comprises 20% and it adds great cherry notes. Based on this and it is the same lot that was sent to remove caffeine I would think it would be a really promising bean for you.

Also, you might want to consider Green Coffee Buying Club. They offer great quality and I have learned to trust their cupping notes. Currently there is a promising Ethiopia Sidamo decafe offering
http://www.greencoffeebuyingclub.com/in...pic=8105.0

I vacuum seal all green beans that are not used within a few months. I don't freeze but refrigerate or put in my wine cabinet. W are presently working on a Colombia Huila decafe that I have vacuum sealed and the green has held up well in the refrigerator.

coffee.me wrote:Alright, that's a great recommendation

Should I vacuum seal and freeze green decafs once I get them to preserve for as long as possible? Maybe for a year?

I would. And I be more careful with any condensation issues. Decaf beans have been compromised and are much more vulnerable. I'd freeze them in individual batch portions and when removed from freezer allow them to balance in temp. before opening.

Excellent, guys, will go ahead with my SM decaf order.