Specialty coffee refers to the entire process of coffee production, from farming to brewing, where particular attention is paid to quality, sustainability, and transparency at each step. The term "specialty coffee" signifies that the coffee has met specific criteria and stands out due to its unique flavors, aroma, and absence of defects. Here are some key features and aspects of specialty coffee:
Quality Over Quantity:
Specialty coffee prioritizes the quality of the bean over the volume of production. Beans are often handpicked to ensure only the ripe ones are processed.
Scoring System:
The Specialty Coffee Association (SCA) has a scoring system in place. For a coffee to be considered "specialty," it must score 80 or above on a 100-point scale. This score is determined by trained professionals called "Q graders" who assess various aspects of the coffee, such as flavor, aroma, aftertaste, acidity, body, and balance. All our coffees have more than 82 points.
Transparency:
Specialty coffee emphasizes transparent trade practices. It often involves direct trade, where roasters and cafes buy directly from farmers, ensuring the latter get a fair price for their beans. This direct relationship fosters trust and encourages quality production.
Sustainability:
The specialty coffee industry places a significant emphasis on sustainable farming practices. This means focusing on both environmental conservation and ensuring the well-being of the farming communities.
Unique Flavor Profiles:
Due to careful cultivation, harvesting, processing, and roasting, specialty coffees often have distinct and unique flavor profiles. These can be influenced by the coffee's origin, altitude, soil composition, and processing method.
Education and Training:
The specialty coffee community values education. Baristas, roasters, and other professionals often undergo rigorous training to understand coffee better and to enhance their skills.
Innovative Brewing Methods:
Specialty coffee often goes together with innovative brewing techniques, whether it's using a siphon, Chemex, Aeropress, or other manual brewing methods. The goal is to extract the best flavors from the beans.
Passion and Craftsmanship:
At its core, the specialty coffee movement is fueled by a passion for excellence and craftsmanship. Whether it's the farmer, the roaster, or the barista, each person in the chain takes pride in their craft.
In summary, specialty coffee isn't just about a superior cup of coffee. It's about a commitment to quality, transparency, and sustainability at every step of the coffee's journey, from bean to cup. Start here.
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