Specialty Coffee: Everything you need to know

If you're a coffee lover, then you're in for a treat. specialty coffee has taken the world by storm with its unique and high-quality beans, distinct brewing methods, and vibrant flavours.

Unlike traditional coffee, specialty coffee goes beyond just being a daily caffeine fix and offers a whole experience. From the origins of the beans to the roasting process and the final cup, there is a lot that goes into making a perfect specialty coffee.

In this blog post, we will get into everything you need to know about specialty coffee, including its history, production, tasting notes, and where to find the best cups.

So, grab your favourite mug, sit back, and go ahead to explore the world of specialty coffee together!

What is specialty coffee?

specialty coffee stands out in the vast world of coffee for its emphasis on quality and exceptional flavour profiles. But what exactly does this term mean, and how does a coffee earn the 'specialty' label? Here's a deep dive:

History and Evolution:

The concept of specialty coffee began to take shape in the late 20th century, as coffee enthusiasts and professionals sought to highlight and celebrate coffees that exhibited extraordinary quality and unique flavour characteristics.

The movement was driven by a desire to recognise the meticulous care and effort that goes into producing these high-quality beans, from the farm to the cup.

Production Process:

Unlike commercial coffee, which often prioritises quantity over quality, specialty coffee production is characterised by its meticulous attention to detail at every stage.

This begins with the selection of high-grade beans, which are usually grown at high altitudes in the world's most esteemed coffee-producing regions.

These beans are then harvested with care, often by hand, to ensure that only the ripest cherries are picked.

Following harvesting, specialty coffee beans undergo meticulous processing methods—be it washed, natural, or honey—that best highlight the bean's inherent flavours.

Grading and Certification:

To be officially classified as 'specialty', coffee must score 80 points or above on a 100-point scale by certified coffee tasters, also known as Q Graders.

This grading system assesses various attributes of the coffee, including its flavour, aroma, acidity, body, and balance. Only coffees that meet this high standard are considered specialty.

Tasting Notes:

One of the hallmarks of specialty coffee is its diverse and complex flavour profiles.

These coffees can exhibit a wide range of tasting notes, from bright and acidic to rich and chocolatey, depending on their origin, varietal, and processing method.

It's this variety that excites coffee aficionados and encourages exploration within the coffee landscape.

What makes specialty coffee special?

Here's a breakdown of what exactly makes coffee 'specialty':

Strict Standards:

Specialty coffee is subject to strict quality standards set by organizations like the Specialty Coffee Association (SCA). These standards encompass various aspects of coffee production, including bean quality, processing methods, and roasting techniques.

Traceability:

Specialty coffee emphasizes traceability, allowing consumers to track the origin of their coffee beans back to the specific farm or region where they were grown. This transparency fosters a deeper connection between consumers and coffee producers, as well as ensures ethical sourcing practices.

Flavour Complexity:

Specialty coffee offers a diverse range of flavours and aromas that are often more complex and nuanced compared to commercial-grade coffee. Factors such as bean variety, processing methods, and roast profiles contribute to the unique flavour profiles found in specialty coffee.

Direct Trade:

Many specialty coffee roasters prioritize direct trade relationships with coffee producers, bypassing traditional supply chains and ensuring fair prices for farmers.

Direct trade fosters mutually beneficial partnerships, promotes sustainable farming practices, and supports the economic viability of coffee-growing communities.

Attention to Detail:

From cultivation to brewing, specialty coffee involves meticulous attention to detail at every stage of the production process.

This includes precise harvesting techniques, careful processing methods, skilled roasting practices, and optimal brewing parameters to highlight the inherent qualities of the beans.

Freshness:

Specialty coffee is often freshly roasted to order, preserving the beans' flavours and aromas at their peak.

Unlike mass-produced coffee that may sit on shelves for extended periods, specialty coffee is typically consumed within a few weeks of roasting to ensure maximum freshness and quality.

Community and Culture:

Specialty coffee enthusiasts often value the sense of community and culture surrounding their favourite beverage. Coffee shops and roasteries serve as gathering places where people can connect, share their passion for coffee, and appreciate the craftsmanship behind each cup.

This sense of community adds another dimension to the specialty coffee experience, making it more than just a drink but a lifestyle choice for many aficionados.

Is specialty coffee worth the price?

Deciding whether specialty coffee justifies its premium price involves weighing the multifaceted value it brings.

1. Firstly, consider the rigorous standards specialty coffee must meet, from meticulous bean selection to exacting grading criteria. This level of quality assurance is unmatched in commercial coffee offerings.
2. Furthermore, the unique and complex flavour profiles, which result from precise cultivation and roasting methods, provide an experience far beyond the average cup.
3. The attention to sustainable and ethical practices also adds to its worth. For many, supporting responsible farming methods and fair-trade practices presents a compelling reason to choose specialty over conventional options.
4. Finally, the craftsmanship involved in brewing specialty coffee elevates it to an art form, offering an enriched tasting experience.

While the upfront cost may be higher, the cumulative value of quality, ethics, and experience often presents a convincing case for its purchase.

Where to buy specialty coffee in Australia?

Among the top names in the Australian specialty coffee scene, Mecca Coffee stands out for its commitment to sourcing and roasting some of the finest beans from Brazil, Mexico, South America, and Caribbean countries.

Also, cities like Melbourne, Sydney, and Brisbane are dotted with artisan cafes and roasters, each offering a unique take on specialty coffee. These establishments not only serve up exquisite cups of coffee but also provide insights into the origins, processing methods, and flavour profiles of their offerings.

For those preferring to brew their specialty coffee at home, many roasters have online stores where enthusiasts can purchase beans directly. It's also worth exploring local farmers' markets and specialty food stores, which often stock beans from small-scale, local roasters.

Whether you're a seasoned specialty coffee drinker or new to the scene, Australia's rich coffee culture offers ample opportunity to explore and savour the world's best beans right at your doorstep.

Conclusion

In wrapping up our journey through the intricate world of specialty coffee, it’s evident that this remarkable beverage transcends the ordinary. It embodies a rich sense of history, passion, and meticulous craft, from the dedicated producers tending to their crops in pristine environments to the skilled baristas who bring out the coffee's intricate flavours.

Specialty coffee isn't merely about savouring an exceptional cup; it's an immersive experience that connects us with the global community and the earth itself. Its emphasis on quality, sustainability, and ethical sourcing resonates with a growing number of consumers, making it more than a choice—it's a statement about the kind of world we wish to support.

As you explore the vast landscape of specialty coffee, remember that each cup tells a story, offering a moment of reflection on the artistry and effort that goes into its creation. Whether you’re a long-time aficionado or a newcomer eager to discover what makes specialty coffee truly special, there’s never been a better time to delve into this vibrant and evolving scene.