Specialty Coffee - What you need to know

Specialty coffee refers to high-quality coffee beans that are grown in ideal conditions and carefully processed, roasted, and brewed to bring out the best flavors and characteristics. These beans score 80 points or higher on a 100-point scale as graded by a certified Q grader, a professional who assesses coffee quality.

Key aspects of specialty coffee include:

Origin: Specialty coffee often comes from specific regions known for producing high-quality beans. The origin can impact the flavor profile, with different regions producing beans with unique characteristics.

Processing: The method used to process the coffee cherries after they are harvested is crucial. Common methods include washed, natural, and honey processing, each contributing different flavors to the coffee.

Roasting: Specialty coffee is roasted with great care, often in small batches, to enhance the beans' natural flavors rather than mask them. The roasting profile is tailored to the specific characteristics of the beans.

Brewing: To fully appreciate specialty coffee, proper brewing techniques are essential. This includes using the correct grind size, water temperature, and brewing time to extract the best flavors.

Ethics and Sustainability: Specialty coffee often emphasizes ethical sourcing practices, including fair trade, direct trade, and sustainable farming practices, which benefit both the environment and the farmers.

The focus on quality and care at each stage, from farm to cup, distinguishes specialty coffee from more commercially produced coffee.