An average person considers coffee to be more than just a drink. It has become part of their culture, serves as a daily reminder, gives one comfort, and even becomes a medium of self-expression. Specialty coffee has exploded in popularity lately, with many people willing to pay slopes for their favorite drink. What does specialty coffee have, that regular coffee does not? In this guide, if you’re new to specialty coffee, you will know why it is special and why you should try it.
What Is Specialty Coffee?
High-grade specialty coffee refers to coffee that has its beans grown at high altitudes under specific conditions, which are then picked, processed, and roasted at controlled levels to retain its flavor. The commercial-grade coffee industry, which gives priority to quantity, does not compare with the specialty coffee industry. Along with having high grade coffee, specialty coffee also needs to score above 80 points on a 100 point scale defined by the Specialty Coffee Association of America.
What makes specialty Coffee Subscription unique is the care taken throughout the entire process starting from picking the region for coffee growing to applying the right roasting and brewing methods. It tends to give a cup that is clean and more flavourful with many note and free of defects and bitterness.
The Difference Between Specialty and Regular Coffee
At first glance, specialty coffee seems no different than the coffee ground available at your local grocery. However, these two types of coffee differ in more ways than one. Normal coffee is usually made from low-quality, mass-produced coffee beans. These beans undergo heavy roasting to cover up the flavor inconsistencies. However, over-roasting the coffee results in a bitter taste.
Specialty coffee originates solely from single-origin farms or select blends. Unlike regular coffee, these beans undergo single-cherry picking to ensure only ripe coffee cherries are used to make the blend. They are then roasted in small batches instead of roasting everything at once. Not only does this make the process of preparing coffee more efficient, it also lets each bean showcase its unique flavor. The result? A more enjoyable cup of coffee.
Understanding Coffee Flavor Profiles
Coffee specialty coffee is used to describe coffee that has a wide selection of flavor. Unlike standard coffee, which usually has no texture in taste, specialty coffee has the potential to be fruity, nutty, or even floral and chocolate. A coffee’s taste depends on numerous factors such as the region it comes from, how high the plantation is, and how the coffee is processed and roasted.
For example:
- Ethiopian coffee often has bright citrus and berry notes.
- Colombian coffee tends to be smooth with caramel and nutty flavors.
- Brazilian coffee is known for its chocolatey and low-acidic profile.
By exploring different origins and processing methods, you can find the perfect cup that suits your taste preferences.
Why Specialty Coffee Is Worth It
1. Higher Quality and Freshness
Specialty coffee beans are freshly roasted unlike coffee purchases from the shop, which has been sitting on the shelf for months. Because freshness matters a lot when it comes to taste, with specialty coffee, you always know that you have the freshest beans available thanks to clear labeling of the roasting date on the package.
2. Ethically and Sustainably Sourced
Most specialty coffee brands make it a point to pay towards ethically sourced beans and guarantee that the farmers are paid enough and maintain sustainable farming practices. This not only supports the coffee cultivation communities, but also enables better environmental practices such as shade grown coffee farming, reduced deforestation, etc.
3. More Control Over the Brewing Process
When you purchase specialty coffee, you have the option to experiment with various brewing techniques, including pour, French press, or AeroPress. Unlike basic drip machines that fail to accentuate the unique notes, these techniques polish and bring out the full flavor of the coffee to the fore.
4. A More Enjoyable Coffee Experience
Sipping on specialty coffee is much more than having caffeine. It finer articulation is in how one enjoys coffee as a beverage. From selecting the beans to brewing with great care, the routine transforms into a process that elevates the experience of drinking coffee.
How to Get Started with Specialty Coffee
If you’re new to specialty coffee, here are some tips to begin your journey:
- Choose Whole Beans Over Pre-Ground Coffee – Grinding coffee just before brewing preserves its freshness and aroma. Invest in a good burr grinder for consistent results.
- Experiment with Different Brew Methods – Try a pour-over or French press to experience the full depth of specialty coffee flavors.
- Read Tasting Notes – Specialty coffee packaging often describes the flavors you can expect. Use this as a guide to find your preferred taste profile.
- Buy from Trusted Roasters – Opt for reputable brands like Stokes Coffee that specialize in high-quality beans.
- Pay Attention to Roast Date – Coffee is best enjoyed within two to four weeks of roasting, so always check the roast date on the bag.
Final Thoughts
Specialty coffee goes beyond being a contemporary phenomenon. It is a contemporary movement that encompasses “sustainability” as a brewing standard. It is obviously pricier than regular coffee, but it’s worth the money since its taste, ethical sourcing, and overall experience is far higher. If you have never tried specialty coffee, now is the right time to venture into uncovering an entirely different realm of flavors.
