Decaf Discovery Box - May Edition
MAY 2024 DECAF DISCOVERY BOX
Welcome to your May Discovery Box! This quarter features four remarkable roasters from around the world, each showcasing different approaches to exceptional decaf coffee.
☕ COFFEE LIBRE (SOUTH KOREA)
World's First EA Decaf Gesha
Origin: Nariño, Colombia
Variety: Gesha
Process: EA Sugarcane Decaffeination
Notes: Jasmine, Peach, Dried Apple, Caramel
This exceptional coffee marks a first in specialty decaf: the world's first ethyl acetate decaffeinated Gesha variety! The EA decaffeination process uses naturally derived ethyl acetate from sugarcane to gently remove caffeine whilst preserving the coffee's distinctive character.
About Coffee Libre: One of South Korea's pioneering specialty coffee roasters since 2009, Coffee Libre has built a reputation for transparency and direct relationships with producers. Their commitment to innovation led them to source this groundbreaking EA decaf Gesha.
Brewing Notes: This delicate coffee shines with slightly cooler water (90°C) and a medium grind. Coffee Libre suggest resting this for 2 weeks to get the most out of its flavours.
☕ ROGUE WAVE (CANADA)
Wilton Benitez Red Bourbon Natural EA Decaf
Origin: Cauca, Colombia
Farm: Granja Paraiso 92
Producer: Wilton Benitez
Variety: Red Bourbon
Process: Natural EA Sugarcane Decaf
Notes: Strawberry, Lychee, Apricot, Rose, Milk Chocolate
This natural processed decaf undergoes 48-hour anaerobic fermentation before careful sugarcane EA decaffeination. Wilton Benitez's 26+ years of experience in controlled fermentation creates a sweet, fruit-forward cup with remarkable complexity.
About Rogue Wave: Founded in 2016 in Edmonton, Rogue Wave is built on passion for exploration and precision. Led by David Laville, David Walsh, and Ply Pasarj, they focus on ethically sourcing exceptional coffees and roasting with meticulous care.
☕ MANHATTAN COFFEE ROASTERS (NETHERLANDS)
El Vergel Anaerobic Natural Decaf
Origin: Tolima, Colombia
Farm: El Vergel Estate
Producers: Elias & Shady Bayter
Variety: Red and Yellow Caturra
Process: Anaerobic Natural EA Decaf
Notes: Red Apple, Fudge, Yellow Plum
This coffee undergoes 48-60 hour anaerobic fermentation with controlled pH levels, followed by a 45-day chilling period before EA decaffeination. The meticulous process creates a balanced cup with distinctive character.
About Manhattan Coffee Roasters: Founded in 2017 in Rotterdam by championship winners Ben Morrow and Esther Maasdam. Their "no nonsense" approach combines transparency, quality, and direct producer relationships. Named after Rotterdam's nickname "Manhattan aan de Maas."
☕ D STANDS FOR DECAF (AUSTRIA)
Luz Helena Salazar Fruit-Macerated Decaf
Origin: Armenia, Quindío, Colombia
Producer: Luz Helena Salazar
Process: Fruit-Macerated EA Decaf
Notes: Melon, Pomelo, Agave syrup
This innovative coffee by a female producer features fruit maceration during processing, adding unique complexity before EA decaffeination. From Vienna-based D Stands For Decaf, a roastery focused exclusively on premium decaffeinated coffee.
About D Stands For Decaf: Vienna-based specialty roaster focusing exclusively on premium decaffeinated coffee. They showcase incredible variety with funky, modern, and classic profiles, sourcing directly from producers and decaffeination plants whilst paying premium prices for fairness throughout the supply chain.
Brewing Notes: The fruit maceration creates unique flavour development. Experiment with brew ratios to highlight the distinctive processing character.
RECOMMENDED BREWING RECIPE
Base Recipe (works for all four):
- 15g coffee : 225ml water
- 90°C water temperature
- Medium-coarse grind
- T90 Filters
Method:
- 0:00 - Pour 45ml for bloom, wait 30-45 seconds (longer blooms work for fresher coffee, reduce for older ones)
- 0:30 - Single continuous pour to 225ml
- Total time: 2:10-3:00
Adjustments:
- Too weak: grind finer (or agitate more)
- Too bitter: grind coarser or use cooler water
- Too sour: grind finer or use hotter water
FEEDBACK & QUESTIONS
We'd love to hear about your experience with this box! Share your thoughts, brewing notes, or questions
Your feedback helps us continue improving and bringing you exceptional decaf coffees from around the world.
June 2025 roasters selection
-
Hatch
Hatch doing amazing work and sourcing stellar decaf once more! This time it's Nestor Lasso's Ombligon decaf. Natural anaerobic that reminds as a lot of its regular counterpart. Rich, fruity, and chocolate-y but in a good way. Don't miss it!
-
Fritz Coffee Company
Well-recognised by their Seal mascot, Fritz Coffee Company is the most iconic name in South Korea's coffee scene - setting standards in the industry for the last seven years since their establishment in 2014. We're bringing you their unique aromatic decaf by Jose Lasso (father of Nestor and Adrian!)... and it's a pink bourbon. First time in the UK but this happens so often that there's no point repeating ourselves!
-
Crosby Coffee Roasters
Crosby Coffee was created from the passion for speciality coffee. From the beginning, they have been dedicated to sourcing, roasting, and serving unique coffees from all around the world. They have created strong partnerships with sustainable coffee farms which allows them access to their prime lots of harvest each year. Their Guatemalan EA decaf is an example of this.
May 2025 roasters selection
-
Coffee Libre
One of South Korea’s pioneering specialty coffee roasters, Coffee Libre is known for its meticulous sourcing and bold roasting style. Since 2009, they’ve built a rep for transparency, quality, and direct relationships with producers, bringing unique coffees to life with serious attention to craft. Expect complexity, clarity, and the occasional curveball!
They also sourced the first-ever EA decaf Gesha — a rare coffee that’ll be featured in our upcoming Decaf Discovery Box.
-
Rogue Wave
Founded in 2016 in Edmonton, Rogue Wave Coffee Roasters is built on a passion for exploration, precision, and great coffee. Led by David Laville, David Walsh, and Ply Pasarj, their team focuses on ethically sourcing exceptional coffees and roasting them with exacting care. With a deep commitment to craft, innovation, and the science of brewing, Rogue Wave bridges the gap between bean and cup. Their adventurous approach brings some of the most exciting coffees available today — including outstanding decaf.
-
Manhattan
Founded in 2017 in Rotterdam, Manhattan Coffee Roasters brings championship-level expertise to every batch they produce. Led by Ben Morrow and Esther Maasdam — both decorated competition winners with multiple titles—this roastery is built on a "no bullshit" commitment to transparency and quality. They work directly with producers to elevate coffee at every stage, from innovative processing techniques to precise roasting profiles.
Named after Rotterdam's nickname "Manhattan aan de Maas," they bridge tradition and innovation while pushing the boundaries of what specialty coffee can be. With uncompromising standards and a focus on ethical partnerships, Manhattan consistently delivers some of Europe's most exceptional coffees, including a stunning natural anaerobic decaf by El Vergel.
-
D Stands For Decaf
Vienna-based D Stands for Decaf is redefining what specialty decaffeinated coffee can be. They focus exclusively on premium beans that are naturally decaffeinated, proving that removing caffeine doesn't mean compromising on flavour or experience.
With a commitment to quality, sustainability, and transparency, they source directly from producers and decaffeination plants, building long-term relationships and paying premium prices to ensure fairness throughout the supply chain.
Their thoughtfully curated selection ranges from funky experimental processes to modern varietals and classic profiles - showcasing the incredible diversity possible in the world of specialty decaf, including their latest "Sweet Momelo" from female producer Luz Helena Salazar.
April 2025 roasters selection
-
Grey Roasting Co
Grey Roasting Co. is a specialty coffee roaster located in Hamilton East, New Zealand. Founded by two-time New Zealand Barista Champion Dove Chen, the roastery emphasises quality, sustainability, and community engagement. Grey Roasting Co. sources beans from renowned coffee-producing countries and is known for its meticulously crafted coffee, roasted on-site to ensure freshness and flavour.
-
Brandywine Coffee Roasters
Brandywine Coffee Roasters, based in Wilmington, Delaware, are known for their creative and experimental approach to coffee. Their roasting style highlights clarity and fruit-forward expression, and they frequently collaborate with producers exploring unique processing methods. Each release is paired with original, hand-printed artwork — an extension of their philosophy that coffee should be both expressive and accessible.
March 2025 roasters selection
-
Colorfull
Proud to present to you Colorfull, a Canadian roaster with consistently amazing decaf offerings! Their latest one, Orange Marmalade Shortbread Decaf, is a red bourbon anaerobic washed decaf by Wilton Benitez. Tasting notes of lemon, orange blossom, and marmalade. First time this coffee is available in the UK! So don't miss out!
-
Atmans
Our second roaster is Atmans with a stunning clean tasting decaf. This is one of my favourites and not easy to find decafs, a pink bourbon EA decaf by Lasso brothers and Jhoan Vergara. With notes of orange, vanilla, cinnamon, dates, and a distinctive umami quality, this is a decaf experience that challenges expectations.
Atman means «the essence, the soul..» and the main reason behind this company is to show the “atman” of the coffees that Miguel Lamora curates through his vast experience in the coffee and hospitality industry.
February 2025 roasters selection
-
Hydrangea
Hydrangea is the first roaster for this box with their exceptional Thermal Shock Decaf from Finca El Paraiso! It's a thermal shock washed Castillo coffee by Samuel Diego Bermudez and tastes like raspberries, peach, and key lime! This is the first time this decaf from Hydrangea is available in the UK!
-
Onyx
Onyx is our second roaster with one of the most impressive decafs we've ever had, Red Fruits by Sebastian Ramirez, a unique fruit-infused decaffeinated micro-lot. Super fruity — think of strawberry and banana with milk chocolate sweetness.
-
Hatch
Hatch is our third roaster with one of the most unusual and innovative decafs out there, Los Nogales Caturra decaf. This is unlike any decaf you've had before with strong herbal and fruity notes. Another Los Nogales decaf was used by the winner of the US Brewers' Cup last year, so this is one not to be missed!
-
Zennor
The UK roaster for February is... Zennor! Scotland seems to have some of the best roasters lately and Glasgow based Zennor is definitely one of the finest. Their light roasted decaf is by Wilton Benitez and it's a banger. Sweet, fruity, with a jammy body this is a wonderful decaf with any method.