Decaf has a reputation for being a last-resort coffee. The Colombia Popayán from the HAYB roastery takes that reputation personally and disproves it with every sip. Smooth chocolate, delicate marzipan, and the tartness of ripe orange marmalade rest on a rich, syrupy body that would do credit to any caffeinated coffee. A cupping score of 86 points confirms that no corners were cut on quality here—only on caffeine. So if you’ve had to choose between good coffee and a good night’s sleep until now, your problem is solved. That evening cup is no longer a gamble—it’s pure enjoyment, even right before you turn off the lights.
The beans come from the area around the city of Popayán in the Cauca department in southwestern Colombia. The Popayán Plateau is one of the country’s most prized growing regions; coffee trees grow here at altitudes of 1,500 to 2,070 meters above sea level on soils enriched by the activity of nearby volcanoes, particularly the nearby Puracé volcano. The stable climate, without significant temperature fluctuations, allows the cherries to ripen slowly and evenly, which contributes to the sweetness and complexity of the beans. This lot features a blend of the Castillo, Catimor, Typica, and Caturra varieties—a cross-section of what is grown in Colombia, ranging from traditional lines to more resilient modern hybrids.
Decaffeination was performed using the sugarcane decaf method, which is typical for Colombia. It utilizes ethyl acetate, a natural compound obtained through the fermentation of sugarcane—a crop that grows right alongside coffee in the country. The green beans are steamed, rinsed with a solution that binds to the caffeine, and the remaining substance is then removed through steaming and drying. The entire process is gentle and free of harsh chemicals, so the beans retain their natural sugars and original flavor profile. That’s precisely why this cup retains a richness you wouldn’t expect from decaffeinated coffee. The only way you’ll really notice the difference is that you’ll fall asleep peacefully after drinking it.