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Decaf Done Right: Why Water Decaffeination is Our Choice

Decaf Done Right: Why Water Decaffeination is Our Choice

Jan 14, 2025 (Updated on Jan 29, 2025)

By Jeremy, Co-Founder of Freedom Forged Coffee Company

When we launched Freedom Forged Coffee, we knew we’d hear a lot of opinions about beans, roasts, and brewing techniques. But one recurring request from our community caught us off guard: “When are you coming out with a decaf?”

I’ll admit, as someone who thrives on caffeine, decaf wasn’t at the top of my list. But after discussing it with Justin on Mark’s show last Tuesday, and hearing your enthusiasm, it became clear: it’s time to explore decaf.

Christina’s Comment Sparks the Conversation

After our appearance on Mark’s show, Christina S. left a great comment on our blog about brewing ratios and grind size: “I love coffee but am very sensitive to caffeine. Can you please step up your production timetable on a caffeine-free coffee and let me know if you are considering a mushroom-flavored coffee? I like the health benefits.”

Christina, we hear you! Your feedback lit a fire under us to fast-track our plans for a water-decaffeinated roast. And about that mushroom coffee? Let’s just say we might have something brewing in the pipeline—stay tuned!

Not All Decaf Is Created Equal

Decaf coffee gets a bad rap, and honestly, it’s often deserved. But the method of decaffeination makes all the difference. So, let’s break down three primary methods: chemical solvent, Ethyl Acetate "sugarcane" (EA), and water decaffeination. Spoiler alert: we’re going with water decaf for Freedom Forged Coffee, and here’s why.

Chemical Solvent Decaffeination

This method is, well, exactly what it sounds like. Beans are soaked in chemical solvents like methylene chloride to strip out the caffeine. While effective, it leaves behind a chemical residue that can affect the flavor and aroma of the coffee. Not exactly what we want for the Freedom Forged brand.

Sure, it’s cost-effective, but at what expense? Chemical decaffeination feels like taking a shortcut at the expense of quality and integrity. That’s not our style.

Ethyl Acetate "Sugarcane" (EA) Decaffeination

Ethyl Acetate is often marketed as "natural" since it can be derived from sugarcane or fruits. The process involves soaking the beans in an EA solution to bond with the caffeine molecules. While the results are cleaner than the chemical solvent method, there’s still potential for residual EA to linger.

EA decaf can produce a decent cup, but there’s a better, more natural option.

Water Decaffeination: The Freedom Forged Choice

Water decaffeination, specifically the Swiss Water Process, is a chemical-free method that relies on water, temperature, and time to remove caffeine. The beans are soaked in water to dissolve the caffeine. Then, the caffeine-laden water is passed through a charcoal filter, which traps the caffeine molecules. The flavor compounds are retained in the water, and the beans are reintroduced to reabsorb their original flavors.

The result? A decaf coffee that’s rich, flavorful, and free of chemicals. It’s the cleanest and most environmentally friendly method, aligning perfectly with our commitment to quality and integrity.

Why Decaf Matters

We get it—decaf might not be your first pick, but it’s an important option for many coffee lovers. Whether it’s an evening treat, a health preference, or just personal taste, decaf deserves to be as good as any fully caffeinated cup. That’s why we’re putting the same care and dedication into our decaf as we do into every roast we produce.

Coming Soon: Freedom Forged Decaf

We’re excited to announce that we’re in the process of developing a water-decaffeinated roast for Freedom Forged Coffee. Our goal is to provide a decaf option that’s every bit as bold and satisfying as our caffeinated offerings. While we don’t have a release date just yet, we’re working hard to bring it to you as soon as possible.

Final Thoughts

Decaf coffee doesn’t have to be an afterthought—it can be a masterpiece. By choosing water decaffeination, we’re making sure our decaf is something you can feel good about drinking. Whether you’re cutting back on caffeine or just looking for a great cup in the evening, we’ve got you covered.

Have you tried water-decaffeinated coffee before? What’s your take on decaf? Drop a comment below or send us a message—we’d love to hear your thoughts!

Comments 3

  • Kirby & Barbara Johnson • 2 weeks ago

    We love coffee, but generally drink water processed decaf coffee. Looking forward to your Decaf Coffee. Thanks for letting us know about this coffee MarkZ.

  • W.B • 2 weeks ago

    I was so happy to read that decaf is coming.Tank you!

  • Karen Richards • 2 weeks ago

    Please let me know when the decaf is ready to order. Thank you!

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