What is this decaf?
Montalvo DECAF, Colombia is a single‑origin decaf from Planadas, Tolima in Colombia, produced by a local cooperative and fully washed before decaffeination.
It is decaffeinated at the Descafecol plant in Manizales using a “sugarcane” Ethyl Acetate (EA) process that aims to preserve sweetness, fruit and overall cup quality.
How does the sugarcane EA process work?
Green coffee is received, sorted and gently steamed to open the pores of the beans.
The beans are soaked in a solution of water and natural EA derived from fermented sugarcane, which selectively binds to caffeine and draws it out.
The solution is refreshed over about 8 hours until at least 97% of the caffeine has been removed.
The coffee is then steamed again to remove traces of EA, dried, polished and prepared for export.
Is it safe and “chemical‑free”?
EA used here is naturally sourced from sugarcane fermentation and is widely used in food and flavour applications.
Residual EA on green beans is extremely low (around 10 ppm, far below naturally occurring levels in foods like ripe bananas), and it evaporates well below roasting temperatures, so roasted coffee contains no EA.
How does Montalvo DECAF taste?
As green and decaffeinated coffee, it shows sweetness, good fruity acidity, floral notes and a gentle cinnamon‑like spice.
When roasted for espresso at Coffeeangel, it leans more towards chocolate and caramel while still retaining much of its sweet fruit character, giving a “real coffee” experience without caffeine.
Key facts at a glance
Origin: Planadas, Tolima, Colombia (cooperative‑produced, washed).
Decaffeination: Sugarcane / Ethyl Acetate process at Descafecol, Manizales.
Caffeine removal: Minimum 97%.
Flavour: Sweet, chocolate‑leaning, fruity, gentle spice, suitable for espresso and milk drinks.