Café Descafeinado Expresso - Peru Norandino

The washed processing really comes through here, clean and balanced with none of that bitter aftertaste I usually get from decaf. Pulled it as a straight shot this morning and the crema was surprisingly thick for a caffeine-free bean.

I’ve tried a lot of decafs that taste flat or burnt, but this one from Cajamarca actually holds its own in a milk drink—sweet, round, and no harsh edge. The fact that it’s smallholder-grown and washed really comes through as a clean, balanced shot. My afternoon espresso ritual is officially back.

The washed processing really shines through—it’s smooth and balanced, no harsh bite even without milk. I’ve been pulling it daily for a week and honestly can’t tell it’s decaf until I’m not jittery at 9pm.