What is Speciality Coffee?

If you've ever heard the term 'speciality coffee' and wondered what it means, your not alone! Speciality coffee has been creating a buzz in the coffee world, going far beyond trendy cafes and instagrammable latte art. In this post we will dive into what speciality coffee truly is, and why it actually tastes better.

Understanding Speciality Coffee: The Basics

Speciality coffee simply refers to the highest quality coffee available. To determine the quality, the coffee is graded through a scale set by the Speciality Coffee Association (SCA). For coffee to be classified as speciality, it must score between 80-100 points. This score takes into consideration key attributes such as aroma, sweetness, aftertaste, body and acidity. Beans with consistency, quality and a rich flavour profile stand out to achieve scores over 80 to be awarded with the title 'speciality coffee beans'. 

The journey to great coffee starts from the source, where the quality is shaped by the farmers dedication, expertise and approach to farming the beans. Coffee farmers carefully monitor soil quality, climate and water to ensure their beans grow to their fullest potential. Farmers decide on the ripest cherries to be hand picked which ensures a premium selection of beans. After the coffee has been processed, it goes onto being harvested by either being washed or dried in the sun. After this stage, graders will roast a small sample batch and brew it to asses the coffee flavours profile. Different coffee growing regions will bring out unique flavours in the beans, giving each cup a distinct taste profile. For example, Brazilian beans are known for their smooth, nutty and rich flavour profiles.

Why Does Speciality Coffee Matter?

Taste - Speciality Coffee provides a rich, complex taste experience thats far superior to the mass-produced commodity coffee found in Supermarkets and in many coffee shop chains. 

Support for Sustainable Practices - Speciality coffee often means supporting farms that prioritise ethical practices such as fair wages and environmentally sustainable methods. 

Origin - Speciality coffee can be traced all the way back to its origin meaning you can learn about the region, farm and a lot about where the coffee was grown. This also highlights the unique flavour notes associated with different regions. 

Where To Find the Best Speciality Coffee in Edinburgh and Glasgow?

Southern Cross Cafe - Machina Coffee is one of Edinburghs leading coffee roasters, supplying their premium beans to spots like the Southern Cross Cafe. For an exceptional coffee experience matched with perfect latte art then this is the place to go!

Paper Cup Coffee - Paper Cup Coffee roasts all their beans in house, offering a rotating selection of fresh, unique coffees with standout flavours. You can find this cafe along great western road in Glasgow!