What Makes a Coffee “Speciality”?
You’ve probably seen the term “specialty coffee” on café menus, in coffee shops, or on your favourite bag of beans—but what does it really mean?
In a world full of options, **understanding what makes a coffee ‘specialty’** can help you make better, more informed choices. From sourcing to roasting to brewing, specialty coffee is all about quality, transparency, and craftsmanship.
What Is Specialty Coffee?
**Specialty coffee** refers to the highest quality coffee available—usually scoring **80 points or higher on a 100-point scale** as graded by certified Q graders (professional coffee tasters). This term is used across the coffee industry to classify beans that meet strict standards from seed to cup.
It’s not a marketing gimmick. It’s a globally recognised term based on quality, traceability, and flavour.
Key Factors That Define Specialty Coffee
1. **Origin & Traceability**
Specialty coffee begins at the farm. Beans must be grown in ideal climates—often at high elevations—and processed with care. Crucially, they must be **fully traceable** to their country, region, and even individual farm or cooperative.
2. **Harvesting & Processing**
Beans are usually **hand-picked at peak ripeness**, then processed using methods like washed, natural, or honey. Proper processing is essential to avoid defects and preserve the coffee’s natural flavours.
3. **Roasting Precision**
Roasters treat specialty beans with precision, aiming to highlight the unique flavour profiles of each origin—whether it’s notes of tropical fruit, dark chocolate, or citrus. No over-roasting or masking bitterness here.
4. **Freshness & Brewing**
Once roasted, specialty coffee is packaged quickly and ideally consumed within weeks. Brewing methods also matter—**manual brew methods like pour-over, AeroPress, or espresso** are often used to bring out the complexity of flavours.
How Is It Different from Regular Coffee?
- **Commodity coffee** (used in most instant and supermarket blends) is mass-produced, often with little attention to quality or sustainability.
- **Specialty coffee** is grown, processed, roasted, and brewed to the highest possible standards—and it often supports better prices for farmers and more sustainable practices.
Why Does Specialty Coffee Matter?
Choosing specialty coffee means:
- Supporting ethical and sustainable farming practices
- Enjoying more nuanced and flavourful brews
- Reducing waste and promoting transparency across the supply chain
It’s not just coffee. It’s a commitment to quality and fairness—from farm to cup.
Final Thoughts
Whether you're new to coffee or a seasoned enthusiast, understanding **what makes coffee ‘specialty’** can transform the way you experience your daily cup. The next time you see “specialty” on a label, you’ll know it’s more than just a buzzword—it’s a sign of care, craft, and quality.
