In a world where coffee has become a daily ritual for millions, there's a distinction that sets certain beans apart from the rest.
This distinction is known as "specialty coffee."
But what exactly makes coffee "specialty," and why does it deserve this title?
Let’s dive into the nuances that define this extraordinary category of coffee.What is Specialty Coffee?
Specialty coffee isn’t just a marketing term—it's a standard of excellence.
The concept of specialty coffee originated in the 1970s, introduced by Erna Knutsen in an issue of Tea & Coffee Trade Journal.
She used the term to describe beans that had been grown in special microclimates, leading to unique flavors that couldn’t be replicated elsewhere. But the journey from farm to cup involves much more than just the beans.
Specialty coffee refers to coffee that scores 80 points or above on a 100-point scale by a certified coffee taster (SCAA).
This score takes into account a variety of factors, including aroma, flavor, aftertaste, acidity, body, balance, sweetness, and overall harmony. Specialty coffee is often associated with the third wave of coffee culture, which focuses on high-quality beans, ethical sourcing, and artisanal brewing methods.
But what exactly makes coffee "specialty," and why does it deserve this title?
Let’s dive into the nuances that define this extraordinary category of coffee.
What is Specialty Coffee?
The concept of specialty coffee originated in the 1970s, introduced by Erna Knutsen in an issue of Tea & Coffee Trade Journal.
She used the term to describe beans that had been grown in special microclimates, leading to unique flavors that couldn’t be replicated elsewhere. But the journey from farm to cup involves much more than just the beans.
Specialty coffee refers to coffee that scores 80 points or above on a 100-point scale by a certified coffee taster (SCAA). This score takes into account a variety of factors, including aroma, flavor, aftertaste, acidity, body, balance, sweetness, and overall harmony. Specialty coffee is often associated with the third wave of coffee culture, which focuses on high-quality beans, ethical sourcing, and artisanal brewing methods.
The term "specialty" is derived from the exceptional quality and care involved at every stage of the coffee's life cycle. Unlike commodity coffee, which is mass-produced with a focus on quantity over quality, specialty coffee is all about precision, consistency, and passion.
Specialty coffee starts with the meticulous selection of coffee varietals and the precise care taken by farmers in cultivating these beans. These beans are often grown in specific regions where the climate, altitude, and soil conditions create a perfect environment for coffee cultivation. The care in the growing process ensures that the beans develop their full flavor potential.
After the beans are harvested, they undergo careful processing to remove the coffee cherry and prepare the beans for roasting. The method used—whether washed, natural, or honey—affects the final flavor profile. Each step is carried out with attention to detail to preserve the quality of the beans.
Roasting is both an art and a science. Specialty coffee roasters spend countless hours perfecting their roasting profiles to highlight the unique characteristics of each batch of beans. A slight difference in temperature or roasting time can dramatically alter the flavor, making this step crucial.
The final step in the journey of specialty coffee is the brewing process. Whether it’s a pour-over, espresso, or cold brew, the method of brewing can bring out different aspects of the coffee’s flavor. Baristas and home brewers alike pay close attention to grind size, water temperature, and brew time to ensure the perfect cup.
When you drink a cup of specialty coffee, you’re not just enjoying a beverage; you’re experiencing the culmination of hard work, dedication, and passion from farmers, roasters, and baristas. Each cup tells a story of its origin, from the highlands of Ethiopia to the volcanic soils of Colombia. The flavors can range from fruity and floral to nutty and chocolatey, depending on where the beans were grown and how they were processed.
The farmers who produce these high-quality beans are often part of fair trade or direct trade programs, ensuring they receive fair compensation for their work. This focus on ethical sourcing not only benefits the farmers but also encourages sustainable farming practices, which in turn preserves the environment and ensures the longevity of coffee cultivation.
In a fast-paced world where convenience often trumps quality, specialty coffee stands out as a reminder that some things are worth taking the time to appreciate. It’s about slowing down to savor the intricate flavors, recognizing the craftsmanship behind each cup, and understanding the importance of supporting sustainable and ethical practices.
So, the next time you sip on a cup of specialty coffee, remember that it’s called “specialty” for a reason. It represents the pinnacle of what coffee can be—a truly special experience from the first sip to the last drop.
We are proud to say that we at RR Coffee Bar just use the prime Beans that we can trace origin and is consider Specialty Coffee and all our brewing process are precise.
