What is Specialty Coffee? Simply Explained
When you hear the term “specialty coffee,” it might sound like a fancy marketing buzzword. But it’s actually a well-defined classification grounded in quality, care and transparency at every stage of the coffee journey.
In simple terms, specialty coffee refers to high-quality coffee that scores 80 points or above (on a 100-point scale) in a professional tasting evaluation called cupping. But what makes it “special” is not just the score- it’s the craftsmanship and intention from farm to cup.
Specialty Coffee = Arabica Coffee
To qualify as specialty, the coffee must be 100% Arabica.
Arabica (Coffea arabica) is a species of coffee known for its smoother, more complex flavours, and generally lower bitterness compared to its cousin, Robusta. Arabica beans are grown at higher elevations and require more care in cultivation, which is why they command higher prices and are more suitable for specialty-grade evaluation.
Robusta, on the other hand is hardier but typically used for commodity-grade coffee due to its strong, bitter taste and lower perceived cup quality.
So when we talk about specialty coffee, we are talking about Arabica beans that have been carefully grown, processed, roasted, and brewed to highlight their best flavours.
The Journey of Specialty Coffee
- Farming & Harvesting
Specialty coffee starts at origin. Arabica plants are typically grown at high altitudes in rich volcanic soil, where slower cherry development leads to higher sweetness and acidity. Harvesting is usually done by hand to ensure only ripe cherries are selected.
- Processing
Processing methods (washed, natural, honey and experimental) greatly impact flavour. Specialty producers often experiment with fermentation, or barrel-aging techniques to enhance complexity.
- Roasting
Roasting is done with precision to highlight the bean’s origin characteristics. Such as fruity, floral, or chocolatey notes, rather than masking them with a heavy roast.
- Brewing
Brewing methods matter, too. Clean water, proper ratios, and equipment all contribute to whether those nuanced flavours shine through in the cup.
Why It’s Worth Paying Attention
Flavour: Arabica-based specialty coffee offers clean, complex flavours. Ranging from bright citrus and florals to rich chocolates and dried fruits.
Traceability: You know where your coffee came from, often down to the specific farm or region.
Sustainability: Higher prices often mean better livelihoods for producers and more investment into ethical, eco-friendly farming practices.
Is Specialty Coffee Really That Special?
Yes! Because it goes beyond caffeine. Specialty coffee (made from Arabica beans) is about preserving the integrity of the bean, respecting its origin, and delivering a flavour experience that reflects skill, care and ethical sourcing.
At Mighty Wonders Coffee Roasters, we proudly offer a collection made up exclusively of specialty-grade coffee. We are passionate about sourcing and delivering high-quality beans that showcase exceptional flavour and craftsmanship.
So next time you see “specialty coffee” on a label, look deeper. Behind that phrase lies a community of farmers, roasters, baristas—and coffee lovers like you—who believe in quality, sustainability, and flavor.
