From continental blends, single origins and special microlot coffees, it brings us continued joy as a company to share our world of specialty coffees with our community. Another “part” of our journey that we also enjoy is challenging the negative stigma around decaf coffee and proving that it too can be just as delicious. We’ve learnt a lot about the different decaffeination processes over the years, and to this day we roast and source our decaf coffees in Zurich with the same pride, curiosity and craftsmanship as any other coffee.
As a specialty coffee roastery, decaf is very much a part of our roasting philosophy and we’ve tried to highlight the inherent flavours from the coffee cherry despite the processes used to reduce the caffeine content inside the beans.
What Makes a Great Decaf Coffee?
Sourcing Philosophy
Decaffeinated coffee begins just like any other – with carefully selected green beans. We follow the same sourcing philosophy and practices and because of the personal relationships we have built with our coffee partners, we often source the beans from the same coffee farms.
In some cases, we collaborate with our coffee partners directly and support them to experiment in trying new methods of preparing decaf. An example of this is our Farm Decaf Finca Los Nogales. What makes this decaf coffee unique is that it undergoes a natural ethyl acetate decaffeination process at Oscar’s farm using a compound derived from coffee pulp and hot water immersions. This removes the need for the coffee to be shipped off-site to a traditional decaffeination plant, reducing the carbon footprint of this coffee significantly.
Challenging conventional methods
For our other decaf coffees, we use a process called “subcritical CO2” from our suppliers in Bremen (and not the conventional CO2 decaffeination process). In this specific method, coffee beans are washed repeatedly and immersed in liquid CO2 at significantly lower temperatures over a longer process, keeping the natural compounds of the green coffee bean intact and preserving the natural flavour structures and aromas. We’ve geeked out about this topic before, and feel free to get immersed in the details here!
Both methods are bold, environmentally friendly and fully free from synthetic chemicals – perfectly aligned with how we source, roast and drink coffee at ViCAFE.
Roasted in Zurich
All ViCAFE coffees are roasted in Zurich by our team of passionate Q-Grade roasters, Christoph and Ruben. Decaf isn’t an afterthought for us – it’s another expression of joy for exceptional coffee moments shared with our community.
What decaf coffee do we sell?
Decaf Hausmischung
Our signature house blend, enjoyed caffeine-free. The flavour is nuanced with notes of milk chocolate, caramel and nougat. You are also welcome to try our Decaf Hausmischung at our Espresso Bars and have our friendly baristas prepare it for you.
→ Learn more about our Hausmischung Decaf
Decaf Los Nogales
A perfect choice for those who want the experience of a single-origin coffee – without the kick. From our long-standing partner Oscar Hernández and farm Finca Los Nogales in Colombia, this coffee shines with caramel sweetness and subtle fruit notes.
Farm Decaf Finca Los Nogales
A special lot, decaffeinated directly at the farm by Oscar Hernandez. The result is a cup that retains its sweetness, balance and complexity – a comforting everyday decaf that tastes as full and aromatic as any regular coffee. This is a must try!
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ViCAFE Decaf coffee for every moment
From the balanced Hausmischung Decaf, to the vibrant Los Nogales Decaf, to the naturally sweet and special Farm Decaf, each one displays what decaf can be when roasted and sourced with care and curiosity. Decaf is for those who love coffee, not caffeine.
Enjoy as a morning ritual or an after-dinner espresso, we have a delicious decaf coffee for you.
The amalgamation of the above, is three distinct delicious decaf coffees that are available on our ViCAFE Online Shop to buy and enjoy at home!
