Coffee Guide: What is specialty coffee?

Specialty coffee has become increasingly popular in recent years. But what does the term actually mean – and what makes specialty coffee different from regular coffee?

In simple terms, specialty coffee refers to high-quality coffee where origin, cultivation and roasting play an important role in the final flavor. Instead of anonymous coffee blended from many different farms, specialty coffee often comes from beans grown in a specific region, farm or by a particular producer.

In this guide we explain what specialty coffee is, how its quality is evaluated and why the taste can often be very different from conventional coffee.

What does specialty coffee mean?

For coffee to be classified as specialty coffee, it must receive at least 80 points out of 100 according to the international organization Specialty Coffee Association (SCA).

The evaluation is performed by trained coffee tasters who analyze several factors, including:

• aroma

• flavor

• acidity

• body

• aftertaste

• balance

The higher the score, the more distinctive the coffee’s flavor and quality are considered to be.

In practice, however, specialty coffee is not only about points. It is also about traceability and craftsmanship throughout the entire process – from cultivation to roasting.

What makes specialty coffee different from regular coffee?

The biggest difference lies in how carefully the coffee is selected and handled.

Specialty coffee is often characterized by:

• beans from specific farms or regions

• higher quality green coffee

• more careful roasting

• clearer and more complex flavors

Regular coffee is often produced in much larger volumes and blended from many different origins to create a consistent and neutral taste.

Specialty coffee, on the other hand, focuses on highlighting the unique character of each coffee.

Why does specialty coffee taste different?

When coffee is grown, processed and roasted with greater care, it often results in much more variation in flavor.

The taste of coffee can be influenced by factors such as:

• the country and region of origin

• the altitude where the coffee is grown

• how the coffee cherries are processed after harvest

• how the coffee is roasted

Because of this, specialty coffee can sometimes have flavor notes reminiscent of:

• berries

• citrus

• chocolate

• caramel

• floral notes

At our roastery, for example, we often notice that coffees from Ethiopia can have bright fruity and floral aromas, while coffees from Central America are often more chocolatey and balanced.

How to brew specialty coffee at home

To bring out the best flavors in specialty coffee, it is important to brew it properly.

A few simple tips:

• use fresh coffee beans

• grind the coffee just before brewing

• use the right coffee-to-water ratio

• try brewing methods such as pour over or French press

Many coffee enthusiasts prefer pour over, as the method makes it easier to experience the subtle flavor nuances of the coffee.

Specialty coffee from small roasteries

Much of the development of specialty coffee has been driven by small coffee roasteries that focus on quality and origin.

At our roastery in Småland, we roast coffee in small batches. By working with carefully selected beans, we can adapt the roast profile for each coffee and highlight its natural flavor characteristics.

It is the combination of high-quality green coffee, careful roasting and proper brewing that makes specialty coffee so exciting.

Frequently asked questions about specialty coffee

What is the difference between specialty coffee and regular coffee?

Specialty coffee is higher-quality coffee that is evaluated using the Specialty Coffee Association scoring system. To qualify as specialty coffee, it must score at least 80 out of 100 points. The origin and production are also usually more traceable than in regular coffee.

Is specialty coffee always better?

Not necessarily for every taste, but specialty coffee often has more complex and distinctive flavors. Many people appreciate specialty coffee because it offers more variation in taste.

Is specialty coffee always Arabica?

Most specialty coffees are made from 100% Arabica, since Arabica is generally considered to have a more complex flavor than Robusta. However, there are also experimental coffees where Robusta is used.

Why is specialty coffee often more expensive?

Specialty coffee requires more work throughout the entire process – from cultivation and harvesting to sorting and roasting. It is also often produced in smaller volumes.

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At our roastery in Småland we roast coffee in small batches.
Here you can find our full range of coffee beans.