For some, coffee is nothing more than a convenient way of getting caffeinated. For others it goes way beyond that. The same way connoisseurs may appreciate a fine wine or a craft beer, the coffee industry has a term to describe a similarly gourmet approach to the world’s most popular drink. It’s called specialty coffee. You may have come across this phrase if you’ve checked out some of the higher-end coffees available.
The official answer to this question is any coffee that’s rated an 80 or above by the Specialty Coffee Association (SCA). However, the world of specialty coffee goes much deeper and its culture can’t be quantified in a rating. We’ll explain why this coffee is so “special” in this article.
If you’re not in the reading mood and just want our recommendations on the best specialty coffees of the year, check out our selections below:
Best Geisha Coffee: Bean & Bean 
| TOP CHOICE Best Blue Mountain Coffee: Out of the Grey 
| Best Kona Coffee: Big Island Coffee Roasters 
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Definition of Specialty Coffee
There are two types of definitions when it comes to understanding specialty coffee: A general one and a technical one. Many might argue that only the technical one matters.
Nonetheless, the term is used in a variety of contexts making the distinction still a helpful one.
General Definition
The first definition of specialty coffee is a general one. In short, it’s premium coffee that’s quality-driven from start to finish. It’s akin to Third Wave Coffee in which coffee is treated as an artisanal commodity as opposed to just a drink.
Specialty coffee captures the entire process from farm to cup most often sourcing single origin coffee (as opposed to a blend). A skilled roaster then typically roasts the beans to maximize flavor, range, and body.
More and more high-end coffee roasters are now buying their beans directly from the farmers (direct trade), ensuring farmers receive a fair wage for their services. Removing the middlemen in the coffee supply chain guarantees more money and resources are returned to the coffee farmers and their communities. In this regard, specialty coffee roasters look to build lasting, fruitful relationships with their suppliers.
Technical Definition
The SCA, founded in 1982, defines specialty coffee with clear, measurable standards. These standards meticulously evaluate every aspect of the coffee bean. Coffee scoring 80 points or higher on the SCA’s 100-point scale qualifies as specialty coffee. These strict guidelines ensure this term isn’t just a marketing buzzword, but a designation reflecting genuine quality.
Overall Summary
- Quality-driven
- Highly-tailored roasting and brewing methods
- Ethically sourced
- Single origin coffee – (from a single farm or geographic region)
- Focus on building direct relationships with coffee farmers
- Rated over 80 points by the SCAA (ex: Fabula Coffee)
FAQ
Below we present some simple answered to commonly asked questions about specialty coffee.
Q: What makes specialty coffee different from regular coffee?
A: Farmers grow these high-end coffee beans in specific regions under strict conditions, harvested at the peak of ripeness, and processed to remove any defects. As you might expect, the growing conditions in which a coffee plant grows has a major effect on how the final brew tastes. These specialty beans are roasted in small batches to highlight the unique characteristics of the coffee beans. Subsequently, coffee connoisseurs brew these beans using precise methods to bring out the best flavors and aromas.
Q: What are some common characteristics of specialty coffee?
A: Specialty coffee often has a unique flavor profile with notes of fruit, chocolate, nuts, or spices. It’s also typically more acidic than regular coffee and has a cleaner finish. This coffee yields fantastically complex flavor profiles.
Q: How do I choose a good specialty coffee?
A: A good place to start is to consider your preferred roast level: light, medium, and dark. The roast level is a spectrum so you can also find light / medium and medium/dark roast options as well. Light roasts allow more of the beans natural flavors to express themselves while darker roasts typically yield a bolder and smokier flavor. Medium roasts, as its name suggests, is somewhere in the middle. Being that high-end coffee is all about nuances, you’ll find many of these beans offered as a light or medium roast. Look for beans that are roasted recently and have a roast date listed on the packaging. You can also consider the origin, processing method, and flavor profile of the beans to find a coffee that suits your taste.
Q: What are some popular brewing methods for specialty coffee?
A: Brewing is all about chemistry and every variable counts. From the coffee to water ratio to the precise temperature of the water, each of these variables have a major influence on the final brew. Some popular brewing methods for specialty coffee include pour-over, French press, Aeropress, and espresso. Each method has its own advantages and can bring out different aspects of the coffee’s flavor and aroma. Connoisseurs and baristas often favor the pour over method for its ability to give the user fine control over the brew process. One of the downsides of a pour over is that it takes longer to make.
Q: Is specialty coffee more expensive than regular coffee?
A: Yes, these highly-rated beans will almost always be more expensive than regular coffee. It’s produced in smaller quantities with more care and attention to detail. The result is a much more refined cup of coffee that you’ll have to taste yourself to full appreciate.
What to Look for in Specialty Coffee
Most specialty coffee will come as either a light or medium roast. These roasts tend to allow a fuller range of coffee flavors to express themselves compared to dark roasts. You can still find dark roast specialty coffees on the market, but in my experience they aren’t as common.
- Freshness is King: Look for a roast date within weeks. Freshly roasted beans unlock a flavor explosion compared to stale pre-ground bags.
- Origin Over Roast: Forget just standard blends or coffee roasts. Choose your coffee based on the origin of the coffee beans.
- Whole Bean: You should always choose whole bean over ground for the freshest experience. If you don’t have a quality coffee grinder, it’s worth investing in one. You’ll notice a huge difference in the quality of your coffee when comparing ground coffee to whole bean coffee.
- Small Batch Brews: Smaller roasters often focus on quality control, ensuring a consistent and flavorful experience.
- Beyond the Basics: There are many certifications and designations when it comes to specialty coffee. Coffee grown without pesticides can receive the designation of being organic. Fair Trade Certified supports sustainable farming practices. Low-Acid caters to sensitive stomachs.
What is Specialty Coffee: Final Thoughts
In the end, specialty coffee is more than just a source of caffeine. It’s an experience. I know that may sound cliché but it still nonetheless a true statement. And plus, I couldn’t think of a better word. Those who’ve tasted the world of high-end coffee have likely ditched the burnt supermarket blends in light of their new experience.
Check out this very brief documentary that explains the differences between regular coffee and specialty coffee.
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