Posted Wed Nov 21, 2012, 5:18am Subject: Looking for a good Decaf Espresso?
So am I - I am on the hunt. When the opportunity to compare a few roasts selected on the basis of appearing in these forums and by serendipity arises, they will be commented upon here. A word on my technique: first, a roast is ground for a Hario drip pourover and, of course, the grind is 'dialed in' for several trials. Then the roast is ground for espresso and sampled as an Americano. These samplings give me a good enough idea of the flavor complexity and intensity of the roast. My bias is that I much prefer the full-bodied, caramel, chocolate simplicity of a classic Brazilian dark roast but I have been tasting the varietal, fruity characteristics of lighter roasts to train my palate and appreciate not only the wide artistry of coffee roasting and preparation but also the preferences of other coffee drinkers. First up: Decaf Mocha Java from Whats Brewing?, Austin, TX: This is my favorite and the first roast that showed me that decaffeinated coffee can have taste and allure. This selection was picked at random from Central Market when it became obvious that I needed to start drinknig decaf for any cup after my first or second of the day in order to maintain some air of civil behavior. This roast does well as a pourover but can make a good Americano. It is the dark (but not burnt) Brazilian style mentioned above. Unfortunately, Whats Brewing? does not sell on the internet, so this selection will only be available to people living in, traveling to, or with friends in Austin, Houston, Dallas. See their website for a list of their sellers. Next: Decaf Farmhiouse Organic from Counter Culture. This has a little more complexity and is lighter than the above, with less body. Therefore, it tends to make a more flavorful Americano than drip. Third: George Howell ghhselect decaf Costa Rica. GH does not call his roastery "Terroir" for nothing. This is a lighter espresso roast with the full varietal bright notes of the beans shining through. It is too bright for me as a drip, without enough body, but it is likely that there will be many who enjoy it in this capacity. It tastes best for me when it is ground a little finer and infused for a 30+ second pull to get a little more bitterness and body for an Americano. Fourth: Red Bird decaf espresso. This roast has zero taste. Anybody who has recommended this is welcome to rebut on this posting. Educate me. This is an invitation, not a challenge. Last: Caffe Fresco Luna Nuova “Full City Roast”. This decaf has too much taste. Unfortunately, it is mostly carbon. It has been mentioned in these forum as being a good pull for a milk drink. True. That is the only way I can get it down. With a LOT of milk. And sugar. If you love *$, you won't be disappointed.
jwoodyu Senior Member Joined: 31 Dec 2010 Posts: 704 Location: Michigan Expertise: I love coffee
Espresso: Allex Duetto II Grinder: Mazzer Major Roaster: Poppery
Posted Thu Nov 22, 2012, 12:45pm Subject: Re: Looking for a good Decaf Espresso?
Redbird decaf
You know those people that want to tell you how to raise your kids but have none of their own? That is how i feel when someone with a kitchen appliance tells me how the merits or dis-merits of my machine or how to use it.
RichardCoffee Senior Member Joined: 2 Dec 2010 Posts: 96 Location: Long Beach Expertise: I live coffee
Espresso: gaggia baby twin, mini... Grinder: fiorenzato pietro 63mm,... Roaster: weber grill with rk drum
Posted Thu Nov 22, 2012, 1:22pm Subject: Re: Looking for a good Decaf Espresso?
I like Metropolis Red Line decaf. Lately I've been roasting Sumatra decaf from Burman and I like it very much as espresso. I also like Paradise decaf espresso.
Posted Thu Nov 22, 2012, 1:51pm Subject: Re: Looking for a good Decaf Espresso?
Dear John (jwoodyu),
That is interesting that you suggest Redbird. In what way are you preparing it? Do you drink regular coffee at times? If so, how would you compare Redbird to regular coffee? Have you tried any decaf roasts that you did not like and would not recommend?
jwoodyu Senior Member Joined: 31 Dec 2010 Posts: 704 Location: Michigan Expertise: I love coffee
Espresso: Allex Duetto II Grinder: Mazzer Major Roaster: Poppery
Posted Thu Nov 22, 2012, 3:22pm Subject: Re: Looking for a good Decaf Espresso?
Buckley Said:
Dear John (jwoodyu),
That is interesting that you suggest Redbird. In what way are you preparing it? Do you drink regular coffee at times? If so, how would you compare Redbird to regular coffee? Have you tried any decaf roasts that you did not like and would not recommend?
I nearly always drink espresso but if I want brewed strength I drink long blacks. My friend who is a missionary brings me Costa Rican from time to time that I will press pot or use a dropper on but that is not often. I have tried several decaf espresso blends that I did not care for but don't really want to "rat screw" anyone. When I was roasting my own for press or drip there was a Costa Rican natural decafe that liked really but that has been years. I use to get it from coffee bean coral before they sold out and moved state side. I would recommend natural decaf and roasting your own for preparations other than espresso. If your doing decaf espresso Redbird or any of the ones Jason mentioned. I have not tried all on his list but your not going to get a bum steer there.
You know those people that want to tell you how to raise your kids but have none of their own? That is how i feel when someone with a kitchen appliance tells me how the merits or dis-merits of my machine or how to use it.
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