• Login
Search

What is Specialty Coffee?

Specialty coffee has become a popular term in the coffee industry in recent years, but what exactly does it mean? In this post, we will explore the concept of specialty coffee, its unique characteristics, and what sets it apart from regular coffee.

Specialty coffee is defined as coffee that has been graded and roasted to meet certain standards of quality. These standards are set by the Specialty Coffee Association (SCA), which has established rigorous criteria for evaluating coffee beans, including factors such as aroma, flavor, acidity, and body.

One of the key characteristics of specialty coffee is its origin. Specialty coffee is typically sourced from specific regions or even specific farms, where the coffee beans are grown under ideal conditions for their particular variety. This results in unique flavor profiles that reflect the terroir of the coffee bean, including factors such as soil type, altitude, and climate.

Another important factor in specialty coffee is the roasting process. Specialty coffee roasters take great care to roast their beans to perfection, using specialized equipment and techniques to achieve a specific level of roast. This can greatly affect the flavor and aroma of the coffee, with lighter roasts often highlighting the acidity and fruitiness of the bean, while darker roasts bring out more nutty and chocolatey notes.

Specialty coffee is often brewed using specialized methods that are designed to showcase its unique flavor profile. These methods can include pour-over, French press, and espresso-based drinks, as well as more niche methods like the siphon or the Chemex.

One of the biggest differences between specialty coffee and regular coffee is the price. Because of its high quality and unique characteristics, specialty coffee often comes with a higher price tag than mass-produced coffee. However, many coffee enthusiasts are willing to pay the extra cost for the superior taste and experience that specialty coffee provides.

In conclusion, specialty coffee is a unique and exciting category of coffee that offers a superior taste and experience. With its focus on quality, origin, and roasting, specialty coffee has become a popular choice for coffee lovers around the world who are looking for something beyond the average cup of joe. Whether you're a seasoned coffee connoisseur or a casual coffee drinker, specialty coffee is definitely worth exploring.

 

Search