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In December 2024, coffee enthusiasts around the world were treated to a flavourful exploration like no other: The Decaf Project, spearheaded by renowned coffee authority James Hoffmann. This ground breaking initiative paired one exceptional coffee lot with three distinct decaffeination methods, alongside the original non-decaf version—so that every sip could reveal nuanced flavour differences while retaining the coffee’s essence.
The coffee chosen for the experiment wasLa Virgen, grown in the lush landscapes of Guadalupe, Huila in Colombia—a region celebrated for its specialty coffee and sustainable farming practices. The lot was divided into four packages that chosen roasters were able to purchase 1 x 70kg of.
Non-decaf (washed)—to provide a flavour benchmark
Swiss Water® Decaf—a gentle, chemical-free method preserving sweetness and clarity
Ethyl Acetate (“Sugar Cane”) Decaf—via Coffein Co., known for a round, smooth profile
Carbonic Natural (subcritical CO₂) Decaf—retaining origin character using CR3‑Kaffeeveredelung’s advanced process
On15 December 2024, James hosted aglobal live‑streamed tasting event, guiding participants through side‑by‑side cuppings and unpacking the complexities of each decaffeination method.
With over 50 roasters worldwide participating—from Germany to Canada, Australia to the UK—the project quickly became one of the largest coordinated decaf cuppings in coffee historyA Reddit user captured the excitement:
“Over 50 are taking part worldwide”Reddit
Another contributor noted: “19 Grams will be offering it in Germany… Other roasters include… Crosby Coffee in the UK”Reddit.
At Crosby Coffee Roasters, we were honoured to be part of this historic tasting. Our role in hosting one of the limited Coffee Kits—a meticulously curated package including the four versions of La Virgen—was a moment of pride. The opportunity to showcase how subtle changes in decaffeination shape flavour reaffirmed our belief that decaf can stand shoulder-to-shoulder with its caffeinated counterpart. We were absolutely thrilled and deeply proud to contribute to such a pioneering project. We hosted a live cup a long session at our coffee shop on Lark Lane in Liverpool too which saw over 50 people tasting along with James live on screen.
For too long, decaf has been sidelined in the specialty coffee conversation—seen as a compromise rather than a craft.The Decaf Project turned that notion on its head. It provided a rare opportunity not just to taste, but to understand, compare, and celebrate the art, science, and potential of decaffeinated coffee—from water-based methods to molecular CO₂ extraction.
By offering the same green coffee roasted and cupped under identical conditions, Brew by brew, drinker by drinker, we were reminded: decaf doesn’t have to be different—it can be just as expressive, complex, and delicious.
The full livestream and behind-the-scenes tours of decaf facilities—Swiss Water in Canada, Coffein Co. in Europe, and CR3 in Germany—are still available atThe Decaf Project website
https://www.thedecafproject.com/
We hope you enjoy this blog post as much as we did participating in this momentous event.
Inspired to try a decaf at home? Visit our decaf range here.
Elevating decaf, one cup at a time.
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