Most decaf coffee's out there taste like decaf. Some taste like paint thinner. First of all, it's the decaffeination process that determines the path. Swiss Water or CO2 methods offer the best chance. Chemical processes are never good. But also the beans used make a difference. When you sip a coffee and say, "awe, that's decaf", that'd not good! I'm sitting here this morning and while my new bag of ground SF Bay decaf French is brewing, I had a cup of the regular SF Bay French roast so I can compare. I can tell you in my opinion that "yes", there is a difference between the two BUT, it's a small difference. And it's not a taste that says , "Awe, that's decaf." I still taste the smokiness, although lighter, and can tell that it is French roast. As a dark roast lover I have tasted many brands and I heard so much about Peet's decaf House Blend and I have had that many times. It's good, no doubt. But, it loses it's smokiness and seems more like a decaf but doesn't have as bad after taste. Because SF Bay Decaf French Roast maintains it's smokiness better than Peet's I declare SF Bay the winner of all out there that I have had!! I drink regular and decaf everyday because I LOVE COFFEE! When I'm home I do pots of ground most. When at work I take the pods. Cheers to the SF Bay Coffee Crews!! ~ Scott P.