What is Specialty Coffee?

What it is Specialty Coffee and Where to Buy Specialty Coffee

Specialty coffee is more than just a buzzword in the coffee industry; it represents the pinnacle of quality and dedication. In this blog post, we'll dive into what makes specialty coffee unique, its origins, and some notable examples that highlight its excellence. We will also explore the coffee plant family, delve into Arabica beans, and discuss why specialty beans are superior to regular coffee.

What is Specialty Coffee?

Specialty coffee is defined by its exceptional quality and distinct flavor profiles. According to the Specialty Coffee Association (SCA), coffee must score 80 points or above on a 100-point scale to be classified as specialty coffee. This scoring is conducted by certified Q Graders who evaluate the coffee based on factors such as aroma, flavor, aftertaste, acidity, body, balance, sweetness, uniformity, and cleanliness.

The Journey of Specialty Coffee

The journey of specialty coffee begins at the farm, where farmers prioritize quality over quantity. These farmers often cultivate coffee at higher altitudes and in ideal climates, which contribute to the beans' unique characteristics. The process involves meticulous care in every step, from planting and harvesting to processing and drying.

Key Players in Specialty Coffee Production

1. Coffee Farmers: They cultivate coffee in optimal conditions, focusing on sustainability and quality. They use methods that enhance the beans' natural flavors and often engage in environmentally friendly practices.
2. Green Coffee Buyers: These experts assess and select the highest quality beans, ensuring that only the best make it to the next stage of production.
3. Roasters: The roast of coffee is both an art and a science. Specialty coffee roasters adjust their techniques to highlight the beans' inherent flavors, often working in small batches to maintain consistency and quality.
4. Baristas: The final product is in the hands of skilled baristas who understand the nuances of specialty coffee brewing. They ensure that every cup served meets the high standards expected by specialty coffee consumers.
5. Consumers: Discerning coffee lovers who appreciate the intricate flavors and quality of specialty coffee complete the cycle. Their demand for premium coffee experiences drives the specialty coffee market.

Origins of Specialty Coffee

Specialty coffee comes from regions renowned for their optimal growing conditions. Here are a few notable regions:

• Ethiopia: Often considered the birthplace of coffee, Ethiopian specialty coffee is known for its bright acidity, floral and fruity notes, and complex flavor profiles.
• Kenya: Kenyan coffee  is prized for its bold, wine-like acidity, full body, and berry flavors. It’s grown in rich volcanic soil at high altitudes.
• Colombia: Colombian coffee is well-balanced with a smooth body and notes of caramel, nuts, and chocolate. The country's diverse microclimates contribute to the variety of flavors.

The Coffee Family Tree

Coffee belongs to the Rubiaceae family, which consists of over 13,000 species. Within this family, the genus Coffea contains over 120 species of coffee plants. However, two main species dominate the commercial coffee market: Coffea arabica (Arabica) and Coffea canephora (Robusta).

Arabica Beans

Arabica beans are the most popular type of coffee beans used in specialty coffee. They are known for their smooth, complex flavors and lower caffeine content compared to Robusta beans. Arabica plants thrive in high altitudes, typically between 600 and 2000 meters above sea level, and require specific climate conditions to produce the best beans. The delicate nature of Arabica plants makes them more susceptible to pests and diseases, which is why they require careful cultivation.

Examples of Specialty Coffee

1. Ethiopian Yirgacheffe: This coffee bean is known for its delicate floral notes, bright acidity, and a hint of citrus. It is often described as tea-like in its complexity. Yirgacheffe coffee beans come from the Sidama region of Ethiopia, which is famous for its unique processing methods that enhance the beans' natural flavors.
2. Kenyan AA: Kenyan AA coffee beans are some of the highest quality coffee beans in Kenya, known for their full-bodied flavor, bright acidity, and notes of black currant and wine. These coffee beans are grown in the high-altitude regions of Mount Kenya, where the rich volcanic soil and ideal climate conditions contribute to their exceptional quality.
3. Colombian Supremo: Colombian Supremo coffee beans are larger and more flavorful, offering a balanced cup with a smooth finish and notes of chocolate and nuts. These coffee beans are typically grown in the coffee triangle region of Colombia, which includes the departments of Caldas, Quindío, and Risaralda.

Why Choose Specialty Coffee?

Specialty coffee offers a superior taste experience that stands out from regular coffee. It represents a commitment to quality, sustainability, and the art of coffee production. By choosing specialty coffee, consumers support ethical practices and enjoy a cup of coffee that has been crafted with passion and precision.

Superiority of Specialty Beans

1. Quality Control: Specialty coffee undergoes rigorous quality control at every stage, from cultivation to roasting. This ensures that only the best beans make it to your cup.
2. Flavor Profiles: The meticulous process of growing, harvesting, and processing specialty coffee beans brings out unique and complex flavor profiles that are not found in regular coffee.
3. Sustainability: Specialty coffee producers often engage in sustainable practices, which benefit the environment, and the communities involved in coffee production.
4. Traceability: Specialty coffee provides transparency and traceability, allowing consumers to know exactly where their coffee comes from and how it was produced.

Conclusion

Specialty coffee is a celebration of quality from farm to cup. It involves dedicated professionals at every stage who strive to bring out the best in every bean. Whether you are a coffee aficionado or new to the world of specialty coffee, exploring these high-quality beans can elevate your coffee experience to new heights.

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