Specialty Coffee: Quality, Passion and Craftsmanship

Specialty coffee is a movement that aims to promote high-quality coffee, sourced from sustainable agriculture and artisan roasting. It differs from traditional coffee by its more complex and aromatic taste, obtained through a more rigorous production process.

Definition and criteria

Specialty coffee is defined by the Specialty Coffee Association (SCA) as coffee that scores 80 points or more on a scale of 100. This coffee is recognized for its superior quality and production methods that rigorously adhere to standards high levels of durability and quality.

SCA Qualification Criteria:

1. Aromatic Intensity: A rich and complex profile with diverse nuances such as fruits, flowers, chocolate, and hazelnut.
2. Acidity: A well-balanced acidity that contributes to the overall complexity of the coffee, without being overbearing.
3. Sweetness: Presence of sweetness to balance the acidity, often with subtle sweet notes that complement the aromas.
4. Balance: Consistency between aromas, acidity and sweetness, essential for a pleasant tasting.
5. Complexity: A variety of flavors that gradually reveal themselves and linger pleasantly in the mouth.

These criteria illustrate the SCA's commitment to promoting excellence in coffee, ensuring that each cup delivers a rich and deep taste experience.

Origin and production

Specialty coffee is primarily grown in the “Coffee Belt,” an area between the Tropics of Cancer and Capricorn. This belt encompasses countries known for their premium coffee, such as Ethiopia, Colombia, and Brazil.

Ideal Growing Conditions:

• Altitude: High altitude slows the growth of coffee cherries, intensifying the flavors.
• Climate: A temperate climate, typical of the Coffee Belt, ensures gradual maturation of the beans.

Harvest and Selection:

• Manual Harvest: Selection of fully ripe cherries for optimal quality.
• Rigorous Sorting: Elimination of defective grains to guarantee uniformity.

Treatment Methods:

• Dry Method: Sun-drying whole cherries to enrich the coffee with fruity notes.
• Wet Process: Fermentation and washing of the grains for a clear flavor and well-defined acidity.

The Coffee Belt provides perfect conditions that are essential for growing specialty coffees. The agricultural practices in these regions not only support the premium quality of the coffee but also contribute to the sustainability of the industry.

Distribution and consumption

With growing popularity, specialty coffee has transformed distribution and consumption methods around the world.

Distribution channels :

• Cafes and Specialty Shops: These places become education centers where baristas share their knowledge of different origins and preparation methods.
• Online Sales : Roasters now offer their selections directly to consumers, guaranteeing freshness and quality.

Consumption Modes:

• Tastings and Workshops: Fans can participate in guided tastings or workshops to learn to appreciate the subtleties of specialty coffee.
• Coffee Subscriptions: Increasingly popular, these services allow consumers to regularly discover new specialty coffees. (Coming soon from us)

This expansion in distribution and consumption helps educate a broader audience about the unique qualities of specialty coffee, while supporting producers with fairer compensation.

Preparation of Specialty Coffee

To get the most out of the unique flavors of specialty coffee, preparation is crucial. Here are some methods and tips to optimize extraction and tasting:

Preparation Methods:

• Filter Coffee Maker: Ideal for clean, precise extraction that highlights the clarity of flavors.
• Espresso: Perfect for those who prefer a stronger, creamier coffee.
• French Press: Allows longer infusion, capturing the richness of the aromas.

Tips for Better Tasting:

• Water at the Right Temperature: Use water between 90 and 96 degrees Celsius.
• Coffee/Water Ratio: A ratio of 1:15 to 1:18 (coffee in grams to water in milliliters) is recommended for optimal balance.
• Freshness: Grind the beans just before preparation to preserve all the aromas.

With these methods and tips, coffee lovers can enhance their tasting experience, fully exploring the complex profiles of specialty coffee.

Conclusion

Specialty coffee is not just a product, but a cultural and sensory experience that expands our appreciation of coffee. By choosing specialty coffees, not only do we enjoy an exceptional cup, but we also support responsible agricultural practices and a fair economy. For coffee lovers, exploring the world of specialty coffee offers an enriching journey through unique flavors and captivating stories behind each bean. Let yourself be tempted by this taste adventure and discover your favorite profile.

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