What is specialty coffee? It’s a term that defines premium beans crafted through meticulous sourcing, roasting, and brewing processes. If you’ve ever browsed a local café menu or scrolled through Instagram’s coffee community, chances are you’ve seen the term specialty coffee pop up. But what exactly makes a coffee “specialty”? Is it just a marketing buzzword, or is there more to it?
At Roasters Co., we believe specialty coffee is more than a label—it’s a promise. Here’s what sets it apart.
What Is Specialty Coffee?
According to the Specialty Coffee Association, specialty coffee must score 80 or above on a 100-point scale. Specialty coffee scores 80 points or above on a 100-point scale by certified coffee tasters, also known as Q Graders. It’s evaluated for flavour, aroma, body, acidity, and overall experience. But high scores are just the beginning. Specialty coffee is the result of intentional choices from seed to cup.
This means:
- High-quality beans grown in ideal conditions
- Sustainable farming practices
- Careful harvesting and processing
- Precise roasting techniques
- Skilled brewing that brings out the unique flavour profile of each origin
The Journey of a Specialty Bean
- Origin Matters: It all starts at the farm. High altitudes, rich soils, and dedicated farmers create beans with exceptional potential.
- Harvesting & Processing: Unlike commercial coffee, specialty beans are often hand-picked at peak ripeness and processed with extreme care.
- Grading & Cupping: Coffees are graded for quality. Only the best make the required cut.
- Roasting with Purpose: Roasters like us tailor the roast to the bean’s character, highlighting notes like chocolate, citrus, or florals.
- Brewing with Precision: Baristas and home brewers who understand the bean’s journey help unlock its flavour.
Why It Matters (Especially in Canada)
In a country like Canada—where we thrive on culture, community, and craft—specialty coffee fits right in. Whether you’re sipping on a pour-over in Vancouver or grabbing a flat white in Toronto, knowing your coffee’s story adds richness to the experience.
Plus, when you choose a specialty, you’re often supporting:
- Small-batch roasters
- Ethical sourcing
- Better wages for farmers
- More sustainable production methods
How to Know If You’re Drinking Specialty Coffee
Quality shines through in every step, from the farm to your cup. Skilled farmers carefully manage shade, altitude, and processing methods to protect unique varietals. Roasters then highlight those flavours through controlled roast profiles, never burning or masking the bean’s true notes. Finally, skilled brewing techniques help showcase acidity, sweetness, body, and aftertaste, revealing the full story of a region and its people.
Specialty coffee is a collaboration built on transparency and respect. Every stakeholder — from farmer to roaster to you — has a part in preserving and celebrating coffee culture. This attention to detail is what makes specialty coffee so rewarding to explore.
Ask yourself:
- Is the origin clearly stated?
- Is the roast date fresh?
- Are tasting notes included?
- Is the story behind the bean shared?
If yes, chances are you’re sipping on something special.
Final Sip
In the end, what is specialty coffee if not a celebration of passion, skill, and respect for the bean’s origin? Each cup connects you to farmers, roasters, and a culture dedicated to excellence. By understanding what makes these coffees special, you become part of a movement that values quality over quantity and sustainability over shortcuts. So the next time you brew, take a moment to savour every sip, knowing you are tasting the craft and care that makes specialty coffee truly extraordinary.
Learn More from Roasters Co.
At Roasters Co., we’re passionate about explaining what specialty coffee is and why it matters. Curious about how our Honduran, Colombian, and Peruvian coffees, their unique flavours and aromas? Browse our delicious coffee offerings in our shopping section to elevate your daily cup.
