¿Qué es la SCA y cómo se evalúa el café de especialidad?

What is the SCA and how is specialty coffee graded?

In the world of specialty coffee, one of the most important names is the SCA (Specialty Coffee Association). However, it's not always clear what it truly means, how it's used in practice, or why some brands mention it without following its standards.

In this guide, we explain what the SCA is, how the coffee evaluation process works, and how to identify a truly specialty coffee.

What is the SCA?

The Specialty Coffee Association (SCA) is an international organization that sets global standards for coffee quality.

It was born from the merger of two historical organizations:

  • Specialty Coffee Association of America (SCAA)

  • Specialty Coffee Association of Europe (SCAE)

Its mission is clear:
To improve coffee quality throughout the entire chain, from producer to consumer.

Why was the SCA created?

Before the SCA, there was no universal system for defining "specialty coffee."

This led to:

  • Lack of transparency

  • Differences in quality criteria

  • Difficulty in comparing coffees

The SCA created a common language that allows for:

  • Objective coffee evaluation

  • Guaranteeing minimum quality standards

  • Facilitating fair and transparent trade

What is specialty coffee according to the SCA?

A coffee is considered specialty when it obtains:

80 points or more out of 100 on the SCA scale

This score is based on a detailed sensory evaluation performed by certified tasters (Q Graders).

How is coffee evaluated? (SCA cupping process)

The evaluation process is known as “cupping”, and it follows a standardized protocol.

Factors analyzed:

  • Aroma

  • Flavor

  • Aftertaste

  • Acidity

  • Body

  • Balance

  • Sweetness

  • Uniformity

  • Clean cup

  • Overall evaluation

Each is scored individually, and the sum determines the final quality of the coffee.

The role of the Q Grader

Coffees are not evaluated at random.

The evaluators are certified professionals called Q Graders, who have passed rigorous tests to develop precise and consistent sensory perception.

This ensures that the evaluation does not depend on subjective opinions.

Incorrect use of the term "specialty coffee"

This is where it's important to pay attention.

Nowadays, the term "specialty coffee" has become popular... but it's not always used correctly.

Some brands:

  • Use the term without actual certification

  • Do not present verifiable SCA scores

  • Inflate prices without justifying quality

This generates confusion and distrust among consumers.

How to identify real specialty coffee

To ensure you are buying authentic coffee, look for:

  • Origin information (farm, region, altitude)

  • Transparency in the process

  • Traceability data

  • Direct relationship with producers

  • Consistency between price and quality

Beyond marketing, specialty coffee is based on transparency and consistency.

Beyond the score: the true value of coffee

Although the SCA scale is a key tool, the true value of specialty coffee also includes:

  • Fair labor for producers

  • Sustainable practices

  • Respect for tradition

In other words:
Quality is not only in the cup, but throughout the entire process.

AlmAmericas' commitment

At AlmAmericas, we believe in a direct and transparent relationship with the origin.

Our goal is to offer coffees that not only meet quality standards, but also represent the work and history of those who produce them.

Learn more about our approach to Colombian coffee in Spain
and how we carefully select each batch.

What does SCA mean in coffee?

SCA stands for Specialty Coffee Association, an international organization that sets standards for defining and evaluating specialty coffee. Its goal is to ensure quality, transparency, and consistency throughout the coffee chain.

What score does a coffee need to be considered specialty?

A coffee must score 80 points or more out of 100 on the SCA scale to be considered specialty coffee.

This score is based on a detailed sensory evaluation performed by certified professionals.

What is a Q Grader?

A Q Grader is a certified taster who has been trained to evaluate coffee following SCA standards.

Their training includes rigorous sensory tests that ensure consistent and objective evaluations.

How is coffee cupping performed?

Coffee cupping follows a standardized protocol where aspects such as:

  • Aroma

  • Flavor

  • Acidity

  • Body

  • Balance

  • Aftertaste

Each attribute is scored to determine the overall quality of the coffee.

Are all specialty coffees certified by the SCA?

Not necessarily.

Although the SCA defines the standards, not all coffees marketed as "specialty" have a verified score or formal certification.

That's why it's important to look for transparency in product information.

Why do some coffees use the term "specialty" without being so?

The term "specialty coffee" is not completely regulated in all markets.

Some brands use it as a marketing tool without meeting the actual evaluation criteria, which can lead to inflated prices without quality backing.

How can I tell if a coffee is truly high quality?

You can look at several factors:

  • Clear origin (country, region, farm)

  • Information on altitude and process

  • Transparency in the supply chain

  • Direct relationship with producers

  • Consistency between price and characteristics

Is the SCA score the only thing that matters?

No.

While the score is an important reference, the true value of coffee also includes:

  • Production conditions

  • Sustainability

  • Fair trade

  • Origin story

Good coffee combines cup quality with positive impact at origin.

Where can I learn more about specialty coffee?

You can start by exploring our guide on
what specialty coffee is
and discover our focus on
Colombian coffee in Spain

Roast directly influences flavor. You can learn more about the different levels of coffee roast and how they influence flavor.

 

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