Topeca Coffee Roasters has accomplished something genuinely rare in specialty coffee: a fully traceable, direct-trade decaf from their own farms in El Salvador. This Swiss Water® processed coffee delivers the velvety body and dark chocolate richness of their celebrated Signature Espresso—minus the caffeine. It's proof that decaf doesn't mean compromise.
Topeca sent a full container from their El Salvador farms to the Swiss Water plant in Vancouver, ensuring complete traceability from seed to cup. The result is a medium roast that preserves origin character while offering the smooth, approachable profile espresso drinkers crave at any hour.
Tasting Notes
Expect layers of dark chocolate and toffee nut up front, followed by a subtle brightness of dried apple. The body is full and creamy—what Topeca calls "velvety"—with a lingering sweetness that makes this decaf feel indulgent rather than restrained. The finish is clean and balanced, with no trace of the flatness that plagues lesser decafs.
This blend combines washed and natural-process coffees from Ayutepeque, a farm that's been in the Lopez-Diaz family for over 175 years. The natural component adds a touch of fruitiness, while the washed lot anchors the cup with clarity and structure. Bourbon, Pacas, and Marsellesa varieties grown between 1100–1550 meters contribute complexity without overwhelming the palate.
Brew Methods
This coffee shines as espresso—rich, forgiving, and balanced enough to drink straight or cut with milk. Pull it at traditional ratios (1:2 in 25–30 seconds) for a classic profile, or stretch it slightly for a gentler, sweeter shot. It's equally excellent in milk drinks, where the chocolate and toffee notes hold up beautifully against steamed milk.
It also works well as drip, pour over, or French press if you prefer a larger-format cup. Aim for water just off boil and a medium grind. The body stays substantial, and the sweetness comes through clearly at any dilution.
About Topeca Coffee Roasters
Topeca is a Tulsa-based roaster with deep roots in El Salvador, where they maintain direct relationships with multi-generational farming families. Their decaf program represents years of research and collaboration with Swiss Water, and this coffee is one of the few fully traceable decafs in the specialty market.
If you're new to dialing in decaf or want to explore how Swiss Water processing affects flavor, Clive's team can help you find the right grinder settings and equipment pairings to get the most from this exceptional coffee.