Specialty coffee is more than just a morning beverage; it's a complete sensory experience that begins with the type of bean grown and ends with a cup rich with balanced flavors. Specialty coffee is defined as coffee that meets high quality standards at every stage of its production, from cultivation in ideal environments, through harvesting and processing, to roasting and extraction. One of the most important factors affecting the taste and quality of coffee is the variety to which the coffee beans belong. Just as different grape varieties influence the flavor of wine, there are multiple varieties of coffee that give each cup a distinct character. These varieties differ in their genetic characteristics, cultivation method, and the climate in which they grow, which directly impacts the taste, acidity, body, and aroma. In this article, we'll take you on a tour of the most popular specialty coffee varieties.
What is specialty coffee?
Specialty coffee is coffee that is grown and produced according to the highest quality standards, scoring 80 or more points out of 100 according to the Specialty Coffee Association (SCA) rating, which is based on several factors, such as flavor, acidity, body, and sensory cleanliness of the beans.
The specialty coffee journey begins at farms with ideal environmental conditions, where coffee beans are grown at appropriate altitudes and under specific climatic conditions that positively influence their flavor. They are carefully hand-harvested to ensure only the ripest beans are selected, then undergo meticulous processing and drying to preserve their quality.
The beans are then roasted using specialized methods that bring out their unique flavors, then ground and brewed using precise techniques to ensure maximum flavor extraction. This attention to detail at every stage of production makes specialty coffee a unique and rare product, characterized by a rich and complex taste that ranges from natural sweetness, balanced acidity, and unique flavors that reflect its cultivation region.
Coffee lovers around the world are drawn to specialty coffee because it offers a refined and exceptional tasting experience that differs from commercial coffee, making it an ideal choice for those who appreciate quality and fine detail.
Read also: Methods of processing specialty coffee
Features of specialty coffee
Specialty coffee isn't just a daily beverage; it's a complete sensory experience with several aspects that set it apart from regular commercial coffee. Here are its most prominent features:
1. High quality and strict standards
- It is evaluated according to the Specialty Coffee Association (SCA) standards and achieves 80 points or more out of 100.
- Grown in ideal environments and carefully harvested to ensure only the finest beans are selected.
2. Rich and varied flavor
- It features a variety of flavors, where you can taste a combination of natural sweetness, balanced acidity, smooth texture, and unique flavors such as fruits, chocolate, and nuts.
- Flavors vary depending on the strain, processing method, and climate in which the beans were grown.
3. Sustainable agriculture and environmental responsibility
- They are often grown on farms that rely on sustainable farming methods that preserve the environment and soil.
- Concerned with improving farmers' conditions through fair trade practices.
4. Fine processing and roasting
- Specialty coffee undergoes careful processing, whether dried, washed, or honeyed, which brings out its best flavors.
- They are carefully roasted at controlled temperatures to enhance their quality without burning or losing their aromatic oils.
5. Unique preparation experience
- It relies on precise brewing methods such as V60, espresso, Aeropress, and French Press, allowing complete control over extraction and flavor.
- Specialized tools such as precision grinders, scales, and brewing timers are required to achieve the best results.
6. Explore coffee cultures around the world
- It gives coffee lovers the opportunity to explore unique tastes from different regions such as Ethiopia, Colombia, Kenya, and Panama.
- Different types and strains can be tried such as Geisha, Bourbon, and Caturra, making it an ongoing journey for coffee lovers.
Read also: How is coffee dried?
The difference between specialty coffee and regular coffee
Specialty coffee is a choice for coffee lovers seeking high quality and unique flavors, while regular coffee is more suitable for those who prefer a quick drink without focusing on the details of flavor and quality. Here are the most prominent differences between specialty coffee and regular coffee:
1- Classification and quality
Specialty coffee scores 80 points or higher according to the Specialty Coffee Association (SCA) standards, meaning it undergoes rigorous testing to ensure its quality. Regular coffee, on the other hand, is not subject to these standards, as beans are selected based on quantity, not quality.
2. Type of grain
Specialty coffee often relies on high-quality Arabica beans, grown in ideal environments that give it its distinctive flavors. In contrast, regular coffee is typically a blend of Arabica and Robusta beans, which can reduce its quality and make it taste more bitter.
3. Planting and harvesting method
Specialty coffee is grown in specific areas with ideal climatic conditions and is hand-harvested to ensure only ripe beans are selected. Regular coffee, on the other hand, is mass-grown on commercial farms and mechanically harvested without regard for bean quality.
4. Processing and roasting
Specialty coffee undergoes meticulous processing, such as natural drying or washing, and is carefully roasted to bring out its unique flavors. In contrast, regular coffee is processed using rapid methods focused on mass production and roasted at high temperatures, which can result in the loss of much of its natural flavor.
5. Flavor and taste
Specialty coffee is characterized by its diverse flavors, which can have fruity, chocolatey, or floral notes, thanks to the careful attention paid to all stages of its production. Regular coffee, on the other hand, often tastes bitter and heavy due to the use of lower-quality beans and imprecise roasting methods.
6. Preparation methods
Specialty coffee relies on precise brewing methods such as espresso, French press, and Aeropress, with specialized tools used to fine-tune extraction and flavor. Regular coffee, on the other hand, is often prepared using traditional methods such as boiling or instant coffee machines, which fail to fully capture the flavors.
7. Price and availability
Due to its high quality and precise production methods, specialty coffee is more expensive and less available than regular coffee, which is mass-produced and priced lower.
The most famous specialty coffee strains
Specialty coffee varieties are incredibly diverse, each offering a unique taste experience based on the environment in which they were grown and the processing methods used. Whether you prefer the floral notes of Geisha, the perfect balance of Bourbon, or the bold acidity of SL28, specialty coffee offers a rich world of flavors to explore and enjoy.
Specialty coffee varieties vary, each with unique characteristics that influence taste, acidity, body, and aroma. Here are some of the most popular and widely appreciated varieties in the specialty coffee world:
1. Gesha – The Luxurious Dynasty
Geisha is considered one of the rarest and most expensive specialty coffee varieties. It originated in Ethiopia but gained worldwide fame after being cultivated in Panama, where it has captivated coffee lovers with its distinctive flavors, which include notes of florals, tropical fruits, and black tea. Its bright acidity and smooth body make it a favorite in international competitions.
2. Bourbon – The perfect balance
An ancient strain that originated on the island of Bourbon (now Réunion) and later spread to countries such as Brazil and El Salvador, it boasts a balanced flavor that combines natural sweetness and medium acidity, with notes of caramel, chocolate, and dried fruits.
3. Caturra – The intensive breed
It is descended from the Bourbon variety but is smaller, resulting in a larger yield. Grown in countries such as Colombia and Costa Rica, it has medium to high acidity and a balanced sweet-citrus flavor, with fruity notes and a subtle cocoa note.
4. Catuai – Resistance and Excellence
A hybrid of Caturra and Mundo Novo, it is known for its high productivity and good disease resistance. It produces a variety of flavors ranging from creamy sweetness to fruity, with medium acidity. It is grown primarily in Brazil and Central America.
5. Lady of Sudan (SL28 & SL34) – Strong Kenyan Flavor
These two popular strains were developed in Kenya and are known for their intense, acidic flavors reminiscent of citrus and red berries, along with a velvety body and pronounced sweetness. They are among the most popular strains in African specialty coffee.
6. Typica – Classic Roots
One of the oldest known coffee varieties, it has been the foundation for many others. It is characterized by its intense sweetness and smooth body, with subtle notes of caramel and nut, and is grown in countries such as Jamaica, Mexico, and the Dominican Republic.
7. Pacas – Salvadoran breed
A Bourbon-derived variety characterized by its small bushes, making it easy to harvest. It produces rich, balanced flavors of sweetness and acidity and is grown primarily in El Salvador.
8. Pacamara – The Unique Blend
A hybrid between Pacas and Maragogaip, it boasts very large berries and a unique flavor that combines tropical acidity with creamy sweetness, along with a dense, distinctive texture. It is grown in Central America, particularly in El Salvador.
Enjoy the luxury of specialty coffee, an exceptional flavor for every moment.
At Luxury Coffee , we offer you the finest specialty coffees carefully selected from the finest farms around the world, offering you an unparalleled, sophisticated taste experience. Whether you're a fan of soft, floral coffee or deep, balanced flavors, we'll find the perfect coffee to suit your taste. Order online now and enjoy a unique specialty coffee experience from the comfort of your home. Shop now.