What is specialty coffee?
Specialty coffee is a term increasingly common in coffee shops and among coffee lovers, but what exactly does it mean? Unlike regular commercial coffee, specialty coffee refers to the highest quality coffee beans that are carefully grown, harvested, processed, and roasted.
These coffee beans are evaluated based on their flavor, aroma, and overall quality and must achieve a score of at least 80 points out of 100, according to the Specialty Coffee Association (SCA) guidelines. Specialty coffee is the result of dedication, craftsmanship, and a strong focus on detail throughout the entire coffee supply chain, from farmer to barista.
The coffee chain
This wonderful coffee begins with the coffee farmer, whose family has spent generations striving to improve the quality of their coffee by selecting the perfect altitude and climate for their plantation. They spend several years lovingly tending their coffee plants before harvesting their first crop.
From the coffee farmer, the beans go to a buyer, who inspects the coffee through cupping—a systematic tasting—and passes this information on to the roasters. Coffee roasting is an art that requires extensive knowledge and experience to extract the best flavors from the beans. After the coffee is roasted, it has already passed three levels of inspection to guarantee its high quality.
The characteristics of specialty coffee
Specialty coffee goes through the same process as other coffee beans, but each step is different. Below, you'll find the key characteristics of a specialty coffee. It also explains why these characteristics qualify as specialty coffee.
Quality of the beans
Specialty coffee begins with the selection of the very best coffee beans. These beans are grown in specific regions, often at high altitudes and in unique climates. This allows the coffee plants to develop complex and rich flavors. The beans are hand-picked with care, harvesting only the ripest coffee cherries. This manual harvesting process ensures that only the highest quality beans are selected.
Traceability and origin
Another important characteristic of specialty coffee is the traceability of the beans. This means consumers can trace the origin of the beans, including the country, the region, and often even the farm or plantation. This transparency emphasizes that production is carried out ethically and sustainably. Specialty coffee farmers invest heavily in their plantations and the quality of their crops, which leads to better working conditions and a higher price for their products.
Flavor profile
Specialty coffee is known for its complex flavor profiles, often described as fruity, floral, spicy, or nutty, depending on the variety and origin. These flavors are determined by factors such as the soil of the coffee plantation, the processing method, and the roasting technique. While commercial coffee often has a bitter, generic flavor profile, specialty coffee offers a more subtle, refined taste experience with various layers and nuances.
Processing methods
The way the coffee beans are processed after harvesting is crucial for their flavor. Specialty coffee can be processed using various methods, such as the washed, natural, or honey method, each of which influences the final flavor profile. Each method emphasizes certain characteristics of the coffee bean, such as acidity, sweetness, or body. Furthermore, the beans are carefully selected by the coffee producers to best express the unique flavors of their coffee.
Branding and preparation
Specialty coffee is often roasted light to medium to bring out the bean's natural flavors, unlike the dark roast often used in commercial coffee. The roasting process is a carefully balanced one, where the roaster analyzes the unique characteristics of each batch of beans and adjusts the roast to preserve the best flavors. The way the coffee is brewed also contributes to the final taste experience.
Score and certification
To be classified as specialty coffee, the beans must be assessed by certified coffee tasters, known as Q-graders. These experts evaluate the coffee on aspects such as aroma, flavor, aftertaste, acidity, body, balance, and overall clarity. Only coffee that scores 80 or higher on the SCA scale is recognized as specialty coffee. This evaluation is called cupping .
SCA score
The SCA has developed a standard for uniformly testing and scoring coffee. Coffee with a score of eighty points or higher on a scale of one to one hundred is considered specialty coffee. Furthermore, the coffee must be hand-picked and have fewer than five defects per 350 grams of coffee beans. Coffee with a score of eighty to 85 is considered very good. A score of 85 to ninety points is considered excellent, and coffee of ninety points or higher is considered excellent. Specialty coffee may have a maximum of five defects per 350 grams of green coffee beans, such as broken beans, insect damage, or the presence of stones. The SCA has also established a standard for the water and brewing ratio used to prepare and test the coffee.
Taste it yourself
Specialty coffee is distinguished by its exceptional quality, traceability, and rich, complex flavors. The entire process, from farmer to barista, revolves around craftsmanship and attention to detail. This creates an unparalleled coffee experience for true coffee lovers.
Whether you're looking for a subtle, floral flavor or an intense, fruity experience, specialty coffee offers a world of refined flavors that go beyond what commercial coffee can offer. It's not just a beverage, but an art form worth exploring.