WHAT DOES THE TERM 'SPECIALTY COFFEE' REPRESENT?

Specialty coffee is a type of high-quality coffee that stands out for its exceptional flavor, meticulous production, and rigorous grading. It is coffee that receives a score of 80 or higher on a 100-point scale according to the Specialty Coffee Association (SCA) criteria. This means that each bean must be carefully evaluated for aroma, flavor, sweetness, acidity, body, and aftertaste.

Specialty coffee production begins on the plantation, where superior farming methods are used, with an emphasis on sustainability and ecological balance. The coffee is typically hand-picked to ensure that only the ripest beans are used.

Specialty coffee grows primarily in mountainous regions of the tropics, where conditions are optimal for producing premium coffee. The ideal altitude for specialty coffee production is usually between 1,200 and 2,200 meters above sea level, depending on the climate and coffee variety.

Higher altitudes cause the coffee plant to grow more slowly, allowing the beans to develop more complex flavors and aromas. Conditions such as cooler temperatures, more sunlight, and more balanced humidity contribute to the beans having a higher density, which is key to the quality of specialty coffee. Higher altitudes also often mean more pronounced fruity, floral, and citrus notes in the coffee flavor.

And why is specialty coffee so special and different from commercial coffee?

Bean quality: Specialty coffee scores 80 or higher on the Specialty Coffee Association (SCA) scale. This means the beans are of superior quality, free of defects and with unique aromas and flavors. Commercial coffee has less stringent quality control, so the beans may be blended with lower quality beans

Controlled cultivation : Specialty coffee is typically grown on smaller farms where growers use sustainable and environmentally friendly practices. Growing in ideal conditions, such as high altitude and a balanced climate, contributes to the coffee's unique quality.

Hand-picked : Specialty coffee beans are hand-picked, ensuring that only the ripest beans are picked. This increases the consistency and quality of the final product. Commercial coffee often uses machine-picking, which leads to greater variation in quality.

Processing : Specialty coffee goes through a meticulous process of drying, fermentation, and roasting. This process preserves and enhances the natural aromas and flavors of each bean. Roasters focus on optimal roasting that preserves complex notes, as opposed to commercial coffee, which is typically roasted at higher temperatures, which can mask subtle flavors.

Flavor Complexity : Specialty coffee is known for its variety of flavors. It can have fruity, floral, chocolatey, nutty, or even citrus notes, giving each cup a unique character. The flavors are a result of geographical conditions, the coffee variety, and the processing method.

Sustainability and Fair Trade : Specialty coffee growers are often involved in fair trade or sustainability certification programs, meaning they receive fair compensation for their labor and promote sustainable practices that protect the environment.

Specialty coffee is not just a drink – it's an experience. Every cup is a reflection of the effort and passion that goes into growing and preparing this exceptional coffee.