Specialty Coffee

A quick introduction into the world of Specialty Coffee

Specialty coffee is a term used to refer to coffee that has scored over 80 points on a 100 point scale by the SCAA (Speciality Coffee Association of America). Specialty coffees are markedly different from regular coffees in the sense that they are grown at higher elevations, are traceable and processed carefully once harvested. Every step from growing to brewing is monitored and understood to improve the quality every day.

Coffee growing countries are now focusing on improving their quality at the farm level in an effort to improve their cup scorings. Countries like Kenya, Ethiopia and Columbia are considered the Mecca for specialty coffee, but there are also smaller countries like India and Japan who are avidly picking up on the trend.

Once the beans are processed and delivered, roasters spend a considerable amount of time to understand the coffee and develop roast profiles. With better technology roasters are now able to connect the roasting machine to computers to monitor the temperature and record the different variables during the roast cycle. After trying different profiles and cupping roasters decide on one profile that brings out the best out of that particular bean.

Specialty Coffee at a glance

coffee harvest High quality cultivation
and processing
coffee harvest Traceable and direct sourced
coffee harvest Freshly and carefully
roasted and brewed

Coded by Katharina Wagner
Text Source: Third Wave Coffee