What is Specialty Coffee?
Specialty coffee accounts for about 10% of the world's coffee, making it the world's best in terms of quality.
But what makes this category of coffee so "special” to begin with?
Specialty coffee warehouse located in Ethiopia.
Characteristics of Specialty Coffee
The Specialty Coffee Association (SCA) has played a significant role in setting quality standards for specialty coffee, and the growing interest of savvy coffee drinkers has contributed to the industry's growth.
Unique characteristics distinguish specialty coffee from regular coffee, also known as "commodity coffee" or low-grade coffee.
"Specialty coffee" refers to the actual grade that coffee receives. All coffee is graded on a 100-point scale. Any coffee rated 80 points or higher is graded as "specialty coffee" by coffee experts. Everything else is labeled as commodity coffee, which makes up most coffee bought, sold, and traded globally.
Coffee loses points based on defects found in green/unroasted coffee. Defects can include fungus, insect damage, and more.
Coffee “cherries” still on the coffee shrub. The flesh of the cherry is removed, and the pit will be dried or “processed,” which will become the green/unroasted coffee bean.
Specialty coffee offers a complex flavor, aroma, mouthfeel, and aftertaste influenced by the coffee bean's origin, variety, and processing method.
Ethical sourcing practices and sustainability are also common attributes of specialty coffee. The higher price tag helps drive fair compensation for farmers and producers.
Brewing Specialty Coffee
The growing interest in these high-quality beans also drives coffee drinkers to explore new ways to brew coffee at home! While the automatic drip coffee makers we're all used to are still a staple, methods like the pour-over/Chemex, aero-press, French press, and espresso brewing methods are also becoming increasingly popular.
Visit our Education and Resources page to learn more.
The Shortlist
Specialty coffee is the highest quality coffee made from Arabica beans. It's not just a drink but a representation of exceptional quality, ethical sourcing, and an appreciation for the art of coffee making. Here's what you should know about specialty coffee:
Specialty coffee is the finest grade of coffee available globally.
Its unique characteristics include a complex flavor, aroma, and aftertaste, and it scores above 80 points on a 100-point grading scale used by coffee experts.
Specialty coffee emphasizes ethical sourcing practices, fair compensation for farmers, and sustainable farming methods.
Different brewing methods can influence the flavor of specialty coffee, so it's worth experimenting with various brewing techniques.
Specialty coffee offers a unique and enriching experience, supporting small coffee producers and providing diverse flavors.