Square Mile 's Decaf Kenya is proof that even without caffeine, coffee doesn't have to lose its character. On the contrary, this decaffeinated novelty stands out with its raspberry freshness, caramel sweetness and subtle chocolate finish. In the cup, it feels unexpectedly lively and full, with a bright acidity typical of Eastern Kenya. By combining select lots from Makueni and Machakos, the blend combines the best of under-appreciated regions while bringing sweetness and harmony through ethyl acetate processing. If you're looking for a decaf that tastes like the "real Kenya", you've just found it.
This coffee is sourced from the Makueni and Machakos regions, which lie to the east of Nairobi. Although not as well known as the famous Nyeri or Kirinyaga regions, they hold huge potential. The composition of this decaf is based on the top lots of three washing stations: Kikima (Uvuu), Mukuyuni and Mitaboni (Kalua). It is Kikima Cooperative, which operates the Uvuu station, that has attracted attention for its distinctive flavour profile. Despite the more challenging infrastructure and less developed facilities, the area is able to produce coffee with a high standard of taste. A further qualitative shift here is not only possible but expected, and this merger is clear evidence of that.
The coffee has been processed using the traditional washed method that is characteristic of Kenyan farms. It brings out the bright acidity, purity in the cup and the typical fruitiness of the SL28, SL34 and Batian varieties. After processing, however, there is an extra step - decaffeination with ethyl acetate (EA). This gentle, natural way of removing caffeine uses a substance commonly found in fruit or sugar cane, for example. The EA process preserves maximum flavour while adding smoothness, sweetness and harmony to the resulting coffee.