For a long time, decaf had a pretty poor reputation and honestly, it was often deserved. Many years ago, most decaf tasted flat and lifeless, more like a compromise than a proper coffee. As someone who has been roasting for over 20 years, I’ve seen (and tasted) just how far decaf has come.

I’ve been working with Swiss Water decaf since the early days, and I’ve watched the process improve dramatically. What used to be “acceptable” is now genuinely delicious, something I’m really proud to offer.

Why Most Decaf Used to Disappoint

Traditional decaffeination methods often relied on chemical solvents. These stripped out the caffeine but unfortunately took a lot of the flavour compounds with them too. The result was exactly what people complained about, dull, one-dimensional coffee.

The Swiss Water Process; A Much Better Way

The Swiss Water Process changed the game. It’s completely chemical-free, using only water and activated carbon filters. I love it because it treats the bean with respect and keeps so much more of its natural character intact.

In simple terms:

  1. Green beans are soaked to draw out flavour and caffeine into a liquid.
  2. The caffeine is gently filtered out using activated carbon.
  3. New beans are then soaked in this flavour-rich liquid; the caffeine leaves, but the flavour stays.

The result is 99.9% caffeine-free coffee that actually tastes like real coffee.

Who Might Enjoy Swiss Water Decaf

Over the years I’ve spoken to so many customers who love coffee but need to cut back on caffeine, whether it’s during pregnancy, late at night, or just because their body doesn’t handle it well anymore. A good Swiss Water decaf lets them keep the ritual and the flavour they love.

Does It Taste Like Regular Coffee?

It’s very close. Yes, there’s a slightly lighter body and the aromatics can be a touch softer, but with good beans and careful roasting, the difference is smaller than most people expect. When roasted well, it has beautiful flavour and works brilliantly both black and with milk.

Brewing Tips

Treat it just like any other coffee, same ratios, same methods. For espresso, I sometimes suggest dropping the temperature by 1–2°C and going a fraction coarser on the grind if it pulls too quickly. Freshness makes a big difference, which is why we roast to order.

Our Swiss Water Decaf

Our Decaf — Premium Decaffeinated Coffee — Swiss Water Method™ is a medium roast (Flavour Intensity 3/5) with tasting notes of toasty cocoa, citrus fruit, roasted hazelnut, and a dark chocolate finish. Full-bodied and creamy, it's equally good black or with milk.

Sourced from 100% Arabica green beans selected specifically for their ability to retain flavour through the decaffeination process. Roasted fresh to order at our roastery in Robe, South Australia. Available in 250g and 1kg, whole bean or pre-ground. Free shipping Australia-wide.

If you’ve been disappointed by decaf before, I think you’ll be pleasantly surprised by this one. I’m always happy to help if you have any questions about brewing or dialling it in.

Shop our Swiss Water Decaf →