Octane Coffee – 2011

Sir, did you realize you were drinking decaffeinated coffee??

At this year’s South East Barista Competition, Octane Coffee’s Josh Flail competed using a DECAFFEINATED Jagong espresso from Sumatra by Counter Culture Coffee. While we’re not sure if this hadn’t ever been done before, using decaf espresso in a competition setting is definitely not considered normal, nor is it usually thought of as a way to a coffee lovers heart, OR a professional coffee judges, for that matter.

Photo credit: Jason Dominy

However, Josh realized the full potential and beauty of this roast and pursued the unique opportunity to prove that decaf doesn’t have to suck. He wound up placing in the finals group for the Southeast region, and will compete in the United States Barista Competition in Houston, TX April 27th – May 1st 2011.

Josh describes this espresso as an experience with three layers. “The first being a thick, velvety crema with notes of caramel and graham cracker. The bottom-most layer has a cherry tartness with hints of baker’s chocolate and a reduced red wine. At the middle of the cup is a beautiful meld of the top and bottom layers, creating that smoothness, and roundness we look for in espresso.”

Josh also became fascinated by the decaffeination process which is often a secondary concern for importers, roasters, and baristas. A common attitude: coffee is to caffeinate, right?? So what’s the point? However, more and more people- baristas, casual coffee drinkers and connoisseurs alike- are searching for a quality decaf that produces just as enjoyable experience as any top notch regular espresso.

Funky video from DESCAMEX.

Jagong goes through a natural mountain water decaffeination process which keeps the essence of the bean intact by soaking the beans in glacier water to remove their caffeine, all while preserving and reusing the water containing the bean’s flavor. It’s then up to Counter Culture’s head roaster Tim to determine the best way to bring out these unique characteristics during the artful roasting process. After that, it’s up to the barista (us!) to craft you the most excellent decaffeinated drink you deserve to enjoy.

Starting now, Octane Coffee will feature the Jagong Decaf Espresso in all of our decaffeinated coffee drinks for the next few months, and we encourage you to stop in and try a decaf espresso at its best!

And if you’re still not sure about decaf, you can take some cues from this guy:

…Just don’t throw any pies at us. We promise not to smash any plates on your head.

For more things DECAF check out:

“In Defense of Decaf,” by Jerry Baldwin.

“In Defense of Decaf,” by Erin Meister.

Descamex, the company that defcaffeinates for Counter Culture Coffee.

SERBC…it’s that time again!

We’ve got a big weekend coming up with TWO awesome competitors returning to the South East Regional Barista Competition stage to represent Octane this weekend. Dustin Mattson and Josh Flail have been working harder than ever and bet your bottom, their performances are not to be missed!

2010 SERBC Champion, Counter Culture Coffee's Lem Butler

In addition to the Barista Competition that will be held at the Georgia World Congress Center (285 International Boulevard Northwest – Rooms A404 & A405), the shop will be buzzing with baristas and visitors from all over the county, and we’ve got plenty to keep you entertained. So please stop by, toss back a ‘spro, and hang with us all weekend!

THURSDAY

@ Octane Coffee / 8pm: A special SERBC Thursday Night Throwdown, registration starts @ 7pm

FRIDAY

@ the Georgia World Congress Center / 11:19am: DUSTIN MATTSON

@ the Counter Culture Training Center /6:30pm-??: SERBC Party

SATURDAY

@ the Georgia World Congress Center / 3:07pm: JOSH FLAIL

@ Octane Coffee / 8-11pm: SERBC BGA Members Only Party
(Barista Guild of America members and a guest are invited to this exclusive event)

SUNDAY

@ the Georgia World Congress Center / 10:30am-1pm: SERBC USBC Brewers Cup South East Regional Final

@ the Georgia World Congress Center / 1:30-2pm: Awards Ceremony

↑ Jump to top