Specialty coffee has gained popularity among coffee enthusiasts, but what exactly does it mean? Unlike regular coffee, which is mass-produced for quantity rather than quality, specialty coffee focuses on flavor, sustainability, and meticulous craftsmanship. This coffee is cultivated under ideal conditions, carefully processed, and professionally evaluated to ensure the highest possible quality.
If you’re wondering what makes a coffee “specialty” and how to identify it, this guide will take you through everything you need to know.
What Is Specialty Coffee?
Specialty coffee refers to the highest-quality coffee beans that are grown in optimal environments and undergo strict evaluation processes. The term was first coined in the 1970s by Erna Knutsen, a pioneer in the coffee industry. Today, the Specialty Coffee Association (SCA) grades coffee on a 100-point scale, and only coffees scoring 80 points or higher are classified as specialty coffee.
Unlike commercial coffee, which often includes defective beans and inconsistent roasting, specialty coffee aims to highlight the unique flavors and characteristics of high-quality beans.
What Makes a Coffee Specialty?
Several factors contribute to a coffee being classified as specialty coffee. These include bean quality, growing conditions, processing methods, roasting precision, and professional evaluation.
1. High-Quality Coffee Beans
Most specialty coffee is made from 100% Arabica beans, which are known for their complex flavors, smooth body, and aromatic qualities. While Robusta beans are often used in commercial blends, they tend to have higher bitterness and less flavor complexity.
Arabica beans thrive in high-altitude regions where they develop a better balance of acidity and sweetness. These beans are more delicate and require careful cultivation to reach their full potential.
2. Ideal Growing Conditions
The location where coffee is grown significantly impacts its taste. Specialty coffee is cultivated in regions with specific climate conditions, such as rich volcanic soil, consistent rainfall, and moderate temperatures.
Some of the most renowned specialty coffee-producing countries include:
- Colombia – Known for smooth, well-balanced coffee with citrus and nutty notes
- Ethiopia – The birthplace of coffee, famous for fruity and floral flavors
- Costa Rica – Produces bright, acidic coffee with caramel sweetness
- Brazil – Offers chocolatey, nutty, and creamy coffee profiles
The altitude also plays a key role in the quality of specialty coffee. Beans grown at higher elevations (above 1,200 meters) tend to develop more complex flavors due to slower maturation.
3. Meticulous Processing Methods
The way coffee is processed after harvesting impacts its final taste. Specialty coffee undergoes careful processing methods to preserve the natural sweetness, acidity, and aroma of the beans.
The three main processing methods are:
- Washed (Wet) Process – Produces a clean, bright, and crisp flavor
- Natural (Dry) Process – Brings out fruity and sweet characteristics
- Honey Process – A mix of both, resulting in a balanced and complex taste
Unlike commercial coffee, which may use quick drying and mass-production techniques, specialty coffee processing focuses on preserving the bean’s unique flavor rather than maximizing quantity.
4. Precision Roasting
The roasting process is crucial in bringing out the best flavors in specialty coffee. Unlike mass-produced coffee, which is often over-roasted to hide defects, specialty coffee is roasted in small batches with careful monitoring.
The goal is to enhance natural sweetness, acidity, and complexity rather than simply making the coffee strong or bitter.
The three main types of specialty coffee roasts are:
- Light Roast – Retains natural flavors, bright acidity, and floral or fruity notes
- Medium Roast – Balanced, with caramel sweetness and mild acidity
- Dark Roast – Bolder, smokier, with low acidity and a heavier body
Each roast level highlights different characteristics, and specialty coffee roasters aim to preserve the unique qualities of the beans.
5. Professional Grading and Cupping
Before being classified as specialty coffee, the beans go through a strict cupping process, where trained professionals called Q-graders evaluate them based on:
- Aroma – The fragrance of the ground and brewed coffee
- Acidity – The brightness or sharpness of the flavor
- Sweetness – Natural sugars present in the beans
- Body – The weight and texture of the coffee in the mouth
- Aftertaste – The lingering flavor after swallowing
If the coffee receives a score of 80 or above, it qualifies as specialty coffee. This ensures that only the highest-quality beans make it to market.
How to Identify Specialty Coffee?
If you want to try specialty coffee, here are some key indicators to look for:
1. Detailed Origin Information
Specialty coffee packaging usually provides specific details about the coffee, including:
- Country of origin
- Farm or cooperative name
- Altitude where the beans were grown
- Processing method (Washed, Natural, Honey, etc.)
Commercial coffee, on the other hand, often lacks transparency and may only state “100% coffee” without further details.
2. Fresh Roast Date
Unlike supermarket coffee, which is often months old, specialty coffee is usually sold freshly roasted. The best coffee shops and roasters provide a roast date, and it’s recommended to consume the coffee within 2-4 weeks of roasting for peak freshness.
3. Whole Beans vs. Pre-Ground Coffee
Specialty coffee is almost always sold as whole beans because grinding coffee just before brewing preserves its freshness and aroma. Pre-ground coffee loses its flavors quickly, making it less desirable for coffee enthusiasts.
4. Unique Flavor Notes
Specialty coffee packaging often includes tasting notes such as:
- Chocolate, caramel, and nuts (common in Brazilian coffee)
- Fruity, floral, and tea-like notes (found in Ethiopian coffee)
- Citrus, honey, and vanilla (common in Costa Rican coffee)
If a coffee’s label only describes it as “strong” or “bold”, it’s likely not specialty coffee.
Why Try Specialty Coffee?
Drinking specialty coffee is a completely different experience compared to regular coffee. Some of the biggest benefits include:
- Better Flavor – Rich, complex taste without bitterness
- Freshness – Roasted in small batches for maximum quality
- Healthier Option – No added chemicals or low-quality fillers
- Sustainability – Often grown with ethical and eco-friendly practices
- Support for Farmers – Specialty coffee ensures fair wages for coffee producers
If you’ve only ever had commercial coffee, switching to specialty coffee can completely transform your coffee experience. With its distinct flavors, fresh aroma, and superior quality, it’s a must-try for any coffee lover!