Decaf Mexico Mountain Water (250g)
Delicious decaf from Mexico, without any chemicals. Sweet notes of chocolate and caramel are combined with smooth body and balanced acidity. A decaf with true character and a pleasant aftertaste, suitable for any time.
FARM: smallholder farmers
The farmers handpick only ripe cherries and deliver them to local washing stations, where initial quality control begins. Once processed and dried, the green coffee is sent to Descamex—the decaffeination facility in Veracruz, Mexico—famous for its natural Mountain Water Process. This method removes caffeine using only fresh mountain water from Pico de Orizaba, without any chemical solvents. It’s a process that protects the integrity of each bean’s structure and retains its original flavor attributes.
The entire supply chain—from farming to export to water-based caffeine removal—is traceable and rooted in sustainable practices. This coffee represents not just an alternative, but a serious contender on the specialty shelf, giving consumers the freedom to enjoy the ritual and flavor of coffee, any time of day.
Chiapas is home to a high concentration of smallholder farms, many of them organized in cooperatives. Most farmers still use traditional, manual practices, often passed down through generations. Shade-grown coffee is the norm here, and biodiversity plays a vital role in preserving soil health and resisting pests.
The decaffeination step takes place in Veracruz, where the Descamex plant operates. This facility lies near Pico de Orizaba, Mexico’s highest peak, and sources fresh glacial water directly from the mountain. The proximity to both coffee origin and water source makes Mexico uniquely positioned to produce top-tier decaf at origin—a rarity in the coffee world.
This geographical synergy between growing and processing ensures that decaf production remains transparent, fresh, and environmentally responsible. It reduces transit time, minimizes carbon footprint, and retains bean integrity from cherry to cup.
This specific batch, labeled as “Premium Selection,” was curated by El Caffé with strict criteria around density, moisture, and cup quality. The goal wasn’t just to produce a caffeine-free option but a decaf that actually tastes like great coffee. Chocolate, nuts, dried fruits, and citrus zest shine through even after decaffeination.
About Mountain Water Decaf
PRODUCER:Smallholder farmers
TERROIR:Chiapas
ALTITUDE:1200–1500m
PROCESS:Mountain Water Decaffeination (chemical-free)
VARIETIES:Typica, Bourbon, Caturra
AROMA:Roasted hazelnut, dried fruit
FLAVOR:Milk chocolate, brown sugar, soft citrus
BODY:Round and smooth
FINISH:Gentle, clean, cocoa aftertaste
The defining feature of this coffee is its Mountain Water Process, a decaffeination method developed in Mexico and operated by Descamex. This chemical-free method uses fresh, clean water from Pico de Orizaba to extract caffeine while preserving the coffee’s natural flavor compounds.
The process begins by soaking green coffee beans in water to expand them and dissolve the caffeine molecules. This solution is then filtered through activated carbon, which traps the caffeine. The water—now free of caffeine but rich in coffee solubles—is returned to a new batch of beans, continuing the cycle. Unlike traditional decaffeination methods that rely on ethyl acetate or methylene chloride, the Mountain Water Process uses no chemicals, maintaining a clean profile and retaining origin characteristics.
Because this method is performed in-country, directly after export prep, the beans avoid long transits to third-party decaffeination plants. That means they’re decaffeinated while still fresh and handled with care every step of the way.
The result is a decaf that doesn’t taste like decaf. It offers a full-bodied experience with notes of hazelnut, dark chocolate, and citrus, supported by smooth acidity and a clean finish. The mouthfeel remains silky and round, making it suitable both for espresso and filter use. It’s a process that highlights craft, care, and respect for coffee—regardless of caffeine content.
