Doubleshot Don Oscar Decaf proves that even decaffeinated espresso can be full-bodied, elegant, and rich in flavor. The cup reveals a delicate, smooth acidity complemented by the natural sweetness of caramel and dried apples. The espresso is calm and balanced, with a smooth body and clean finish, making it the ideal choice for afternoon and evening coffee without worrying about caffeine. The flavor remains distinct and pleasant, without the typical "flatness" that people often associate with decaffeinated coffee.
The coffee comes from Costa Rica, from the Bajo Canet micro-region in the Tarrazú area, specifically from the Beneficio Don Oscar family farm and processing plant. It was founded in 2013 by Don Oscar Solís, whose legacy is now being carried on by his sons Alejandro and Horacio, fourth-generation growers. The farms are located at an altitude of 1,700-1,850 meters above sea level and are long-term and key partners of the Doubleshot roastery. The Solís brothers are heavily involved in the local community and invest part of their profits in infrastructure, education, and water security in an area where water availability is an increasing challenge.
The basis is the Catuaí variety, processed using the white honey method, i.e., with a minimum amount of pulp left. The coffee is then decaffeinated using a gentle method involving ethyl acetate (EA) obtained from sugar cane. This process removes more than 97% of the caffeine without significantly affecting the flavor profile of the bean. Precise drying on African beds and thorough control of each step ensure that the resulting coffee retains its sweetness, purity, and character of origin, just without the effects of caffeine.