If you have even the slightest interest in coffee, you have definitely come across the term "specialty coffee." But what hides behind this phrase, and what is the difference between specialty coffee and regular coffee?
As is often the case, the answer can be simple or complicated, but for the average person, there is no point in getting bogged down in unnecessary details. We can simply say that specialty coffee is coffee that, in its green bean stage, is virtually free of defects, contains no unripe beans, has uniform bean size, has been processed properly, and reveals no off-flavors or unpleasant aromas once roasted and brewed.
A more technical definition states that coffee is considered specialty when it scores at least 80 points (out of 100) using the cupping method in a standardized test by the SCA (Specialty Coffee Association), evaluated by a certified expert known as a Q Grader.
First and foremost, quality. Statistically speaking, only about 10% of all coffee grown worldwide meets the criteria to qualify as specialty coffee. So if you choose specialty coffee, you are drinking higher quality coffee than 90% of other people.
Along with quality come numerous other benefits. In the case of specialty coffee, one example is traceability of origin. Every specialty coffee clearly states the variety, how it was processed, and, if handled by a quality roastery, you will always find the roast level and roast date on the bag.
All of this guarantees not only quality—often traceable right down to the specific farmer who grew your coffee—but also the freedom to explore different varieties, processing methods, and roast profiles, discovering step by step what suits your palate best. Or conversely: endlessly discovering something new.
As mentioned earlier, specialty coffee is judged not only in its green state, but also after roasting. And roasting is often what makes or breaks the customer's overall coffee experience. Even the finest green coffee in the world can be turned into "black charcoal" through improper roasting, destroying every delicate flavor nuance and leaving behind only bitterness, astringency, and a drink you can only stomach with heaps of sugar and milk. Not to mention zero health benefits.
On the other hand, a skilled roaster can bring out the absolute maximum potential from quality specialty coffee, unlocking flavor nuances you would be hard-pressed to find in any other food. Properly roasted specialty coffee respects the flavors of the specific variety and processing method, while tailored to the intended brewing technique to highlight that particular coffee's strengths.
That is why the world of specialty coffee is so endlessly varied, offering a brand new adventure with every single cup. Embarking on a journey to taste the world's best coffees has never been easier. You are only a single click away.
