This is a decaf coffee from the Popayán region in Cauca, Colombia, grown at altitudes between 1,500 and 2,070 meters on the Meseta de Popayán, a highland area sheltered by the Andes with volcanic ash soils. The coffee is produced by approximately 65 smallholder growers as part of a quality program that rewards farmers with premiums up to 20% above market price. The varieties used are Colombia, Castillo, and Caturra. This coffee is processed using a natural sugar cane ethyl acetate decaffeination method, which preserves sweetness and flavour clarity. The cup profile is sweet and balanced with caramel richness, delicate floral notes, soft sweetness, and a smooth mouthfeel.
Formative opened in Victoria, London, in March 2019, founded by Ian Kissick. It started as a multi roaster café working with guest roasters like La Cabra before Ian began roasting Formative's own coffee in 2022 at PLOT Roasting's facilities in South London. Ian won the UK Barista Championship in 2023 and placed sixth at the World Barista Championship in 2024. The café still rotates its menu roughly every two weeks, blending its own roasts with guest selections. Sprudge named it runner up for World's Best New Café on its first anniversary.
