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15% off our new Half Calf Blends!
What Is Half Caff Coffee?
If you enjoy coffee but want to cut back on caffeine, half-caff coffee is another option to consider. It's made by combining regular coffee with decaffeinated coffee, so you can still enjoy your usual cup while reducing the amount of caffeine.
Our Half Calf coffees at Virgin Hill Coffee are made with equal parts regular and decaffeinated coffee, with three combinations to choose from depending on the flavours you prefer. And if you've ever wondered about the Highland cow on the packaging, there's a local story behind that, too.
What Is Half Caff Coffee?
Half-caff coffee, also called half-caf, is a blend of regular and decaffeinated coffee beans. At Virgin Hill, we use a 50/50 ratio, giving you a coffee with less caffeine than a comparable cup made entirely with regular coffee.
A 50/50 blend doesn't necessarily mean exactly 50% less caffeine in your cup, since decaffeinated coffee still contains a small amount of caffeine. The final amount also depends on the beans and how you brew your coffee.
Why Choose Half Caff Coffee?
Some people enjoy regular coffee throughout the day but would prefer to reduce their caffeine intake without switching entirely to decaf. Half-caff coffee offers a middle ground, making it an option for anyone who wants to change up their coffee routine while keeping the familiar taste of regular coffee.
You can enjoy it in the morning or make it your afternoon coffee, depending on your preferences and how caffeine affects you.
What Does Half Caff Coffee Taste Like?
The flavour depends on the coffees used in the blend. Our Half Calf range combines different Virgin Hill coffees, so you can choose the flavour profile you enjoy most, whether that's a darker, bolder cup or something with lighter vanilla notes.
Our Half Calf Coffee Options
Each of our Half Calf coffees contains 50% regular coffee and 50% decaffeinated coffee, but the combinations offer different flavours.
Espresso Decaf & Peru Black
This combination pairs Espresso Decaf with Peru Black for a bold, full-bodied coffee with a darker flavour profile. It's a good choice if you enjoy a more intense cup.
Swiss Water Decaf & Costa Rica Brown
Costa Rica Brown brings vanilla notes to this combination, balanced by Swiss Water Decaf. Choose this option if you prefer a lighter flavour profile.
Organic Swiss Water Decaf & Organic Espresso L'Roma
This option combines Organic Swiss Water Decaf with Organic Espresso L'Roma for a rich espresso flavour with notes of hazelnut. Both coffees are organic, making this the choice for anyone looking for an organic Half Calf coffee.
You can find all three options on our Half Calf coffee product page.
How to Brew Half Caff Coffee
Half Calf coffee can be prepared using your usual brewing method, including a drip coffee maker, French press, pour-over or espresso machine. Simply choose the grind that works with your equipment and follow your usual brewing routine.
If you use an automatic espresso machine with a built-in grinder, keep in mind that Peru Black can be oily and may not be the best choice for these machines. Check the product details when choosing your combination and grind.
For the best flavour, store your coffee in an airtight container in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight and heat. Avoid storing coffee in the refrigerator, where moisture and temperature changes can affect freshness.
Inspired by the Eastern Townships
There's a little local inspiration behind our Half Calf packaging. The Highland cow illustration was inspired by the Highland cows found around Québec's Eastern Townships, where we roast our coffee.
It's a small detail, but we liked the idea of including something familiar from our region on the packaging.
Frequently Asked Questions About Half Caff Coffee
Is Half Calf coffee half regular and half decaf?
Yes. Our Half Calf coffees contain 50% regular coffee and 50% decaffeinated coffee.
Does half-caff coffee have less caffeine than regular coffee?
Generally, yes. Since half-caff coffee combines regular and decaffeinated beans, it typically contains less caffeine than coffee made entirely with regular beans. The exact amount depends on the coffees used and how the coffee is brewed.
Is half-caff coffee the same as decaf?
No. Half-caff coffee contains both regular and decaffeinated coffee, while decaf has undergone a process to remove most of its caffeine. Decaffeinated coffee still contains small amounts of caffeine.
Can I use Half Calf coffee in my regular coffee maker?
Yes. You can prepare Half Calf coffee using most common brewing methods, including drip coffee makers, French presses, pour-over brewers and espresso machines. Choose a grind suited to your equipment, and check the product details if you use an automatic espresso machine with a built-in grinder.
Is there an organic Half Calf option?
Yes. Our Organic Swiss Water Decaf & Organic Espresso L'Roma combination is made with two organic coffees.
Find Your Half Calf Coffee
If you're looking for coffee with less caffeine but don't want to switch entirely to decaf, our Half Calf range gives you three combinations to choose from. Find the flavour profile that suits you and enjoy it using your favourite brewing method.