Colombia: Atunkaa Decaf
Roast: Medium
Region: Cauca, Caldas, Tolima
Farm: SIRUMA Farms
Process: Sugar Cane EA
Elevation: 1,600-2,000m
Variety: Colombia, Caturra, Castillo, Pink Bourbon
Cup: Marzipan, Cinnamon Chocolate, Tangerine
Cupping Notes
For the first time since October of 2021, we've excitedly released a new decaf! Has it really been that long?
We love this new decaf from Colombia!
Over the years, we've moved steadily farther away from the ever-popular Swiss Water decafs to the sugar cane decafs.
While Swiss Water is certainly top-notch and a household name at this point, we just prefer the vibrant flavors that are left in place with the other best method out there. We believe the coffees that undergo the sugar cane process are more true to what the coffee originally tasted like before processing. The "off" decaf flavors many Americans are used to in cups of decaffeinated coffee are nowhere to be found here. It's clean and it feels minimally invasive.
After continued exposure to real winners, we are now staunch defenders of the sugar cane ethyl acetate process (ethyl acetate being a natural byproduct of sugar cane).
Marzipan. We were overjoyed to taste sweet almond notes in this coffee, almost reminiscent of marzipan. Marzipan, consisting of sugar, almond meal, and honey is a staple in many European baked goods. We think it's for good reason and is a criminally underrated sweet ingredient.
Cinnamon Chocolate. Cinnamon and chocolate. Spicy and sweet. We love the combination found between the two often popularized in Mexican Chocolate and cups of Abuelita hot chocolate.
Tangerine. Hear me out. . . just like our last decaf, there's a real juicy sweet citrus finish. It may sound disruptive, but just like our Blood Orange Mocha latte proves time and again: chocolate and orange pair beautifully. It just works!
We think you’ll enjoy this remarkably unique decaf as espresso in our shop or as a cup at home. Give it a try while you can!
Farming Notes
We are pleased to bring you this decaffeinated gem via our connections on the ground with Falcon Coffee. They are at the forefront of ethical coffee in Colombia.
This decaf was sourced in a handful of regions consistently at high altitudes between 1,600 and 2,000m.
We have now sourced many coffees from Tolima, Caldas, and Cauca and we are continually impressed by their level of quality in the region.
Atunkaa decaf was processed using the best-in-class “sugar cane” process. Being one of the main forms of decaf processes available in 2023, this process is often referred to as “natural decaf.”
The method used to decaffeinate with ethyl acetate is completely chemical-free. The process is strictly controlled and additive-free. The process is so excellent because even though almost 100% of the caffeine has been removed, there is great preservation of the original aroma, flavor, and mouthfeel.
We’re learning we are big fans of the sugar cane process and we’re confident you’ll be a fan of this decaffeinated gem.