Decaf Diamond

[Decaf] Mexican Esmerelda EA <Natural>

I first purchased this coffee after searching for a great decaf as a daily drinker. My quest was to find a decaf gem with the vibrancy of other Mexican coffees I've savored throughout the year. While this didn't quite hit my target, this coffee delivered a phenomenal first cup without the usual caffeine buzz.

Here's why I'm crushing on this decaf: 

1 - It's incredibly clean and flavorful (yes, even though it's decaf). 

2 - This coffee embodies the essence of decaf, allowing you to relish your morning routine multiple times a day without hesitation.

Decaf often faces unfair criticism for being bland or uninspiring. This coffee is anything but.

Flavor: As a green bean, this coffee is super floral with bold notes of green grape and flowers. Roasting turns things into a sweet mix of caramel corn, caramel apple, and a hint of nutty goodness. After roasting and sitting for a few hours, these further developed into green apple, caramel, butterscotch, and milk chocolate.

Esmerelda coffee thrives in the fertile volcanic soil around Pluma, Oaxaca, under the Southern Mexico sun. This Bourbon variety flourishes in the coastal mountains where flavor complexity and richness begin to build.

Despite the floral and green apple jazz, it's not all tangy – this cup keeps it mellow with a solid body and a light milk chocolate finish.

The roasting recommendations for this bean suggested a medium or dark roast, so I went medium. This level blended the delicate floral notes perfectly into a mature chocolate body. Despite a non-existent caffeine kick, most drinkers would likely not assume this a decaf coffee due to its complex profile and intense aroma.

I highly recommend keeping this coffee as a pour-over or Aeropress option, as this is where you can experience the dynamic range this coffee offers.

Unroasted Decaf Mexican Esmerelda