What is Specialty Coffee?

Specialty coffee is becoming increasingly popular, so it's worth getting to know it better. Below, we explain what specialty coffee is and what makes it unique. Enjoy the read!

What is Specialty Coffee?

Specialty coffee beans are not just about the name. It's important to note that many commercial producers are increasingly using this term to market their products as premium quality, but it's often just a marketing trick. Whether coffee is designated as "specialty" is decided by the Specialty Coffee Association, specifically by the evaluation of Q-graders. Specialty coffee must score at least 80 out of 100 points in their tests. This coffee is assessed on many aspects, including defects in the beans, roasting errors, and, of course, taste and aroma.

What Makes Specialty Coffee Unique?

We've already explained how coffee earns the "specialty" designation. It's also important to know what makes it unique. Here are a few key factors:

• Fresh harvest – Specialty coffee comes from the freshest crops.
• Fresh roasting – Specialty coffee roasters roast beans in small batches. This prevents coffee from being stored for too long.
• Minimal bean defects – In specialty coffee batches, defective beans cannot exceed 1.5%.
• Exceptional taste and aroma – Specialty coffee doesn’t need added sugar, as it is naturally sweet. It’s also more distinct, with a balanced level of acidity and bitterness.
• Sustainable development – Specialty coffee is often grown on small farms, sometimes in challenging conditions. Additionally, the supply chain is short, meaning the beans reach roasters quickly without intermediaries.

How Does Specialty Coffee Taste?

When you choose specialty coffee, you experience a variety of flavors and aromas, depending on the region the beans come from. The lack of bitterness, a floral-fruity aroma, and an incredibly addictive smoothness are what set specialty coffee apart. Moreover, there’s no need to sweeten this coffee, as it naturally contains sweetness.

Is Specialty Coffee the Best Coffee?

There’s no doubt that specialty coffee, both in whole beans and ground, is the best coffee available on the market. Even the plantations follow the highest standards. Specialty coffee farms are environmentally friendly, as their owners understand that the flavor of the coffee depends on water purity, soil condition, and biodiversity. Additionally, when you purchase specialty coffee, you are supporting local businesses rather than large corporations that prioritize profit over ethical practices.

As you can see, specialty coffee is considered the best coffee in the world for good reason. The difference in taste is noticeable not only to coffee connoisseurs but also to regular consumers.