What is specialty coffee? Guide + difference from regular coffee

What is specialty coffee?

Specialty coffee is coffee that is of exceptionally high quality , has clear traceability to its origin and meets strict criteria for taste, production and sustainability.

While “regular coffee” is often about volume and standardization, specialty coffee focuses on:

✔️ origin
✔️ harvest
✔️ variety
✔️ process
✔️ taste
✔️ sustainability

This makes each batch unique — almost like a vinological terroir.

What does “special” mean in specialty coffee?

The concept of specialty coffee doesn't just mean good coffee – it's about quality throughout the chain from plant to cup.

This means that:

• The coffee has at least 80 points on an SCA-based taste test (Specialty Coffee Association).

• There is traceability to the farm/lot/producer .

• The beans are free from defects that negatively affect the taste.

• The production methods are carefully carried out (cultivation, harvesting, processing).

It is therefore a coffee that can be documented and defended all the way from field to cup.

Why is specialty coffee better?

1. Clearer flavor profile

Specialty coffees have defined flavor notes that can be described precisely, such as:
“blueberry, chocolate, jasmine, caramel, cinnamon” etc.

This is compared to regular coffee, which is often described as “bitter” or “strong” without nuance.

2. Higher quality all the way

Specialty coffee farmers opt for hand-picking, careful sorting, and processes such as:

• washed process (washed)

• natural

• honey

• anaerobic fermentation

...all to highlight the best possible taste.

3. Traceability and transparency

You know where the coffee comes from , who grew it and how it was processed.
This provides both better taste and better conditions for sustainable production.

Specialty coffee vs regular coffee – what's the difference?

How specialty coffee is tested — the SCA points system

The SCA (Specialty Coffee Association) uses an objective protocol to assess coffee:

1. Aroma

2. Taste

3. Acid

4. Body

5. Aftertaste

6. Balance

7. Purity

8. Reverberation

A coffee that reaches 80 points or more on this scale is classified as specialty coffee .

Why the process method matters

How the coffee is processed after harvest has a huge impact on the taste:

Washed

→ Clean, clear fruitiness
Suitable for those who like clear tones and balance.

Natural

→ Sweet, full-bodied and fruity
When the berries are dried whole in the sun, the bean gains more sweetness.

Honey

→ Sweetness + body
Partially sticky pulp provides round sweetness.

Anaerobic fermentation

→ Complex and aromatic
Controlled fermentation produces more complex notes.

Process, terroir and origin

Just like in the world of wine, terroir plays a role — climate, soil, altitude and growing method affect the flavor profile.

For example:

🇪🇹 Ethiopia — floral, fruity, complex
🇰🇪 Kenya — clear acidity, fruitiness
🇨🇴 Colombia — balance and sweetness
🇧🇷 Brazil — chocolate and nuttiness

This makes specialty coffee a journey of flavors, not just a beverage.

How to choose specialty coffee at home

When choosing specialty coffee, consider:

1) Rust level

• Light rust → acidity, fruitiness

• Medium roast → balance, sweetness

• Dark roast → fullness, cocoa/nut

2) Brewing method

• Filter → pure taste

• Pour-over → aromatic clarity

• Espresso → concentrated body

3) Taste preference

Do you want:

• fruity

• chocolatey

• floral

• spicy?

There are specialty coffees for all tastes.

FAQ – Frequently Asked Questions about Specialty Coffee

What does “specialty coffee” mean?
It is coffee with ≥ 80 points according to SCA's assessment system and full traceability from the grower to your cup.

Is specialty coffee expensive?
Sometimes — but not always. High cost is often due to craftsmanship, small scale and quality.

Can everyone make specialty coffee?
Yes, but it requires dedication, the right processes and focus on the quality of the raw materials.

Is specialty coffee better for the environment?
Often, because sustainable farming methods, traceability and fair pricing models are part of the definition.

Summary – why specialty coffee matters

Specialty coffee is more than just “good coffee.”
It is:

• quality in focus

• flavor profile with character

• story from the grower

• transparency in production

When you drink specialty coffee, you drink the journey of coffee .

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https://hallakafferosteri.com/kaffe