If you’ve been hanging around the Bean Shipper community for a while, you’ve probably seen the term Specialty Coffee tossed around a lot. Maybe you’ve seen it on our bags, or perhaps you’ve heard a barista geek out about a "natural process Ethiopian" that tastes like blueberries. 

But what does it actually *mean*? Is it just a fancy way to charge more for a latte? (Spoiler: No! 🙅♂️)

Today, let’s peel back the curtain and look at what makes specialty coffee so special. Let’s go! 🚀

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# 1. The "Gold Standard" (The 80+ Point Rule) 🏆

In the world of coffee, there’s actually a literal score! Professional tasters (called Q-Graders) use a 100-point scale created by the Specialty Coffee Association (SCA).

Commercial Coffee: This is the stuff you find in big tins at the supermarket. It’s usually graded below 80 and is focused on consistency and "coffee flavour" (which often just means "bitter and dark").

Specialty Coffee: To earn the "Specialty" title, the beans must score **80 points or higher**.

These beans are evaluated based on acidity, body, aroma, and—most importantly—the absence of defects. We’re talking about the top tier of coffee produced worldwide!

# 2. The Journey from Seed to Cup 🌱➡️☕️

Specialty coffee isn't just about the bean; it's about the people. It requires a "chain of excellence" where everyone does their job perfectly:

The Farmer: Grows the trees at high altitudes and picks only the perfectly ripe, red cherries by hand. 🍒

The Processor: Carefully dries or washes the beans to preserve their unique flavours.

The Roaster: (Our favourites! 🙌) They use science and art to roast the beans in a way that highlights their natural "terroir" (the taste of the land) rather than just burning them.

The Barista (That’s You!): Brewing it at home with the right ratio and temperature to unlock all that hard work.

# 3. Tasting Notes: No Syrups Needed! 👅🍓

One of the coolest things about specialty coffee is the flavour. Because the beans are high quality and roasted with care, they naturally contain hundreds of aromatic compounds.

When we say a coffee has notes of "Chocolate and Roasted Hazelnut or Sparkling Lemon and Jasmine we aren't adding flavours! Those are the natural sugars and acids of the coffee bean shining through.

Pro Tip: If you’re used to adding three sugars to your coffee to make it drinkable, try a specialty brew black. You might be surprised at how sweet and "juicy" it can be on its own! 😍

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# 4. Why Should You Care? (The "Feel Good" Factor) 🤝

Beyond the amazing taste, choosing specialty coffee is a more sustainable choice.

Because specialty coffee fetches a higher price based on quality, it allows roasters to pay farmers a "quality premium" that is significantly higher than the standard Fair Trade or C-Market price. When you buy a bag of specialty beans, you’re directly supporting a system that values the farmer's craft and the environment. 🌍💚

The Bottom Line

Specialty coffee is about transparency, quality, and flavour. It’s the difference between drinking "brown caffeine water" and experiencing a complex, delicious beverage that has a story to tell.

Whether you're a total newbie or a seasoned home brewer, there's always something new to discover in the world of specialty coffee.

Ready to start your specialty journey? Check out our bestselling specialty coffees here 

Happy brewing! ☕️✨