Does Specialty Coffee translate to a better taste and experience?

Many people around the world drink coffee daily.  Many have no idea what kind of coffee they are drinking: whether it's commercial or specialty coffee.  But for those who have a more discerning palate, they choose to drink specialty coffee.  So, does drinking specialty coffee translate to a better taste and experience for those who drink it? Let's take a closer look and lay the facts on the table and see. 

 Within the industry of coffee there is:

• Commercial/Commodity Coffee 
• Specialty Coffee

The Journey Begins: The Farm

Everything happens on the farm first.  To earn the title of specialty coffee it first has to meet specific criteria regarding quality, sourcing, and sustainability.  According to the SCA (Specialty Coffee Association), specialty coffee meets the highest standards of quality, with very limited to no bean defects.  

They are classified as such by a SCA licensed Q Grader who scores the coffee beans from 80 to 100 points.  The journey of the coffee bean to your mug begins at the very beginning of the supply chain – the coffee farm.

Farmers handpick coffee cherries at the precise moment they ripen, which is crucial to its flavor profile along with the methods of processing of course.  Imagine biting into an unripen piece of fruit; the experience is quite unpleasant. Similarly, picking coffee cherries too early or too late can lead to an unpleasant tasting brew. 

 

The Art of Elevation

At higher elevations, the coffee cherries have the opportunity to slowly ripen.  As the altitudes rise, the temperatures drop, creating a slower maturation process for the cherries.  The soil in that particular region plays a major role with its nutrients and the biodiversity of the regions soil. 

The method of processing also has a huge determining factor in the flavor profiles of the coffee. 

• Natural / Dry Processing
• Washed / Wet Processing
• Wet Hulled / Semi-Washed
• Honey Processing

Each step along the process has to be executed with attention to detail to obtain the desired result:  an excellent tasing coffee. 

This slower growth rate allows the beans to develop and ripen all those delightful sugars, acids, and volatiles that we coffee lovers adore. Higher elevations serve as nature's slow cooker.  This helps to prepare your coffee beans to burst full of flavor when roasted and brewed.

Ripeness and Roasting

Now we come to the roasting stage. Roasting specialty coffee is an art form.  It's the master roaster's job to experiment and find the roasting profile that is suitable to extract the unique flavors awaiting discovery.

An expert roaster will masterfully manipulate temperature and time to draw out the best qualities and craft each bean's unique flavor profile. A light roast with floral and berries might highlight fruity notes from an Ethiopian Yirgacheffe; While a darker roast might be more suited with the chocolaty, syrupy body and dried fruit profile of a  Sumatran bean. The right roast can elevate your coffee from ordinary to extraordinary.

 

The Brew: An Experiment in Flavor

Now, the coffee bean's journey has landed into our hands: the consumer.  It's our turn to bring forth all of the laborious and meticulous effort of the farmers and roasters:  having our home brewing experience. If you think you can just pour hot water over ground coffee and call it a day, think again! Specialty coffee encourages experimentation and personalization.

Depending on brewing method—French press, pour-over, or espresso, drip coffee makers—can yield different results based on water temperature, water quality,  grind size, and brewing time.

Don't be afraid to experiment with different methods.  To me, this is the fun part.  I remember just having a coffee maker.  Then I bought a Keurig; next I bought a French press and a pour over and a home espresso maker.  Even to this day, I still prefer my pour-over, but I would not have known that, If I didn't just experiment with brewing techniques and coffees.  Who doesn’t like experimenting with their brewing techniques? 

Once we have everything dialed in, we honestly prefer our coffee made at home to those we buy at cafes.  It's all about personal preference learning what our palates like and honing in on our skills with some coffee knowledge.

Understanding Flavor Profiles

One of the best parts of exploring coffee is unraveling the vast array of flavor profiles. You might find yourself drawn to:

• Fruity: Beans sourced from regions like Ethiopia or Kenya often have a vibrant citrus or berry-like flavor.
• Nutty: Coffees from Central America, particularly Guatemala and Honduras, can have sweet, nutty notes.
• Chocolatey: Many South American coffees, especially those from Colombia, are renowned for their chocolate undertones.

By being open to trying various types of coffee, you can find what flavors resonate with you. Remember, it’s all about personal preference; there’s no correct answer when it comes to the best flavor profile for you!

Subjectivity of Taste

Taste is subjective! What one person finds wonderful, another might think it's disgusting and deem as undrinkable. Specialty coffee allows for a broader spectrum of flavors and unique profiles; so there’s plenty to explore. Maybe you're in the mood to sip an Ethiopian: a light roast with bright, floral notes one day and a heavy, chocolatey dark roast the next.

In the world of specialty coffee, there’s no right or wrong, only personal preference. Just because it’s labeled “specialty” doesn’t mean you’ll love every cup. The key is to find what speaks to your taste buds and enjoy the journey and experience along the way. 

Farm-to-Cup Transparency

Perhaps one of the most compelling aspects of specialty coffee is the transparency involved in its sourcing. Many specialty coffee roasters work directly with farmers, establishing a direct trade relationship that eliminates the middleman.

What does this mean?  This means the farmers receive a fairtrade  price for their crops, which supports sustainable farming practices.  Afterall, the farmers and the coffee pickers put a lot of labor and love into growing and processing the crop-- to deliver to us the consumers, an excellent and memorable cup of coffee.

 

 

What are high-quality coffee beans?

High-quality coffee beans are often defined by several factors: origin, processing methods, and cultivation standards. Look for beans that are:

• Single-origin: These beans come from a specific region or farm, offering unique taste profiles that reflect their environment. For instance, Ethiopian Yirgacheffe beans are known for their bright acidity and fruity flavors.
• Specialty-grade: Beans graded 80 or above on a 100-point scale by certified graders. These beans have distinctive flavors and aromas, making them a sought-after choice for coffee connoisseurs.
• Freshly roasted: The taste of your coffee is directly influenced by the freshness of the beans. Aim for freshly roasted beans for the best results. When purchasing, don’t hesitate to ask your roaster when the beans are roasted.
• Ethically sourced: Many coffee lovers are increasingly aware of where their beans come from. Look for certifications such as Fair Trade or Rainforest Alliance, which ensure the beans were produced sustainably and ethically.

Single Origin Coffees

Let’s not forget about single origin coffees.  Sourcing beans from a specific region or farm lends distinct characteristics to each cup. Whether it’s from the high elevations of a Colombian farm or the unique processing methods of  Rwandan coffee, each sip transports you to the land where it was grown. It’s exploring the world from within a cup!  And let’s face it; who wouldn't want to sip their way through the coffee-producing regions of the world from the comfort of their couch?  

 

 

Sustainability Matters

In a time where mass production and cheaply sourcing products are prevalent in our society.  Specialty coffees are a cut above the commercial/commodity coffee industry.  Many specialty coffee producers are committed to environmentally friendly practices.

From shade-grown coffee, which protects the ecosystem, to organic farming that avoids harmful pesticides, these methods ensure that we can enjoy our favorite brew without damaging Mother Earth. 

The Verdict: The Specialty Coffee Experience

So, does specialty coffee translate to a better taste and experience? The short answer is: yes, it absolutely can! From the meticulous care taken on the farm, to the artistry of roasting, and the experimentation during brewing, specialty coffee elevates the entire coffee experience.

With its commitment to sustainability and a focus on transparency, it adds layers of depth that supermarket blends of low-quality coffee simply can’t compare.  However, the ultimate verdict lies in your hands—and your taste buds. Happy sipping!