What is specialty coffee?

What is specialty coffee: a complete guide to understanding high-quality coffee

Specialty coffee is high-quality coffee evaluated according to the standards of the Specialty Coffee Association (SCA). To be considered specialty coffee, a coffee must score 80 points or more in a professional cupping , in addition to demonstrating traceability, absence of defects, and complex sensory profiles.

In recent years, the term Specialty coffee has gained immense popularity among coffee lovers. Coffee shops, roasters, and producers worldwide use this term to describe exceptionally high-quality coffees, carefully cultivated and prepared to highlight their unique characteristics.

But what exactly does specialty coffee mean? How is it different from the commercial coffee we usually find in supermarkets?

In this guide we explore what specialty coffee is, how its quality is assessed and why more and more people are discovering in it a completely new way to enjoy coffee.

This guide is part of our Colombian Coffee Guide , where we explore the origin, roasting, and best ways to enjoy Colombian coffee.

Definition of specialty coffee

Specialty coffee refers to coffee that scores 80 points or more according to the Specialty Coffee Association (SCA) on a 100-point scale.

This evaluation considers various aspects of the rate, including:

  • scent

  • flavor

  • acidity

  • body

  • balance

  • cleaning the cup

  • natural sweetness

Coffees that achieve this score stand out for their quality, complexity, and absence of defects.

What differentiates specialty coffee from commercial coffee

Commercial coffee typically prioritizes volume and consistency in large quantities. In contrast, specialty coffee focuses on quality, origin, and traceability .

Some important differences include:

Crop

Specialty coffee is usually grown at high altitudes and in ideal conditions for the development of the bean.

Harvest

Coffee cherries are usually picked by hand , selecting only those that are ripe.

Prosecution

The processing of coffee — washed, natural or honey — is done with great care to preserve the characteristics of the bean.

Toast

Specialty coffee roasters seek to highlight the natural flavors of the origin, rather than hiding them with very dark roasts.

The role of origin in specialty coffee

One of the most important elements of specialty coffee is the origin of the coffee .

Each coffee-growing region produces different flavor profiles depending on factors such as:

  • altitude

  • climate

  • floor

  • coffee varieties

  • processing method

This allows you to discover coffees with very varied aromatic profiles, which can be reminiscent of fruits, chocolate, flowers or caramel.

Why Colombia is key in specialty coffee

Colombia is one of the most important countries in the world of specialty coffee.

The country's geographical conditions — mountains, tropical climate and fertile soils — allow for the cultivation of high-quality Arabica coffee.

Many Colombian farms produce single-origin coffees , which means that the coffee comes from a specific region, farm, or even lot.

This allows you to appreciate the unique characteristics of the coffee more clearly.

How to recognize specialty coffee

If you want to start exploring the world of specialty coffee, there are some clues that can help you identify a quality coffee.

Information about the origin
Specialty coffees usually indicate the region or farm where they are grown.

Roasting date
Fresh coffee offers more intense aromas and flavors.

Transparency of the producer or roaster
Specialty coffee brands often share detailed information about the origin of the coffee.

Flavor profile
Specialty coffees often describe their aromatic notes, such as chocolate, fruit, or flowers.

Specialty coffee in Spain

Interest in specialty coffee in Spain has grown rapidly in recent years. More and more consumers are looking for single-origin coffees, carefully roasted and traceable back to the farm.
At AlmAmericas, we want to bring specialty Colombian coffee to Spain , connecting producers directly with consumers who value quality and origin. If you'd like to learn more about the origin and tradition of Colombian coffee, you can visit our guide to Colombian coffee in Spain .

Specialty coffee in AlmAmericas

At AlmAmericas™ we believe that coffee is an expression of culture, landscape and tradition.

That's why we look for Colombian coffees that reflect the richness of their origin and the work of the communities that grow them.

Our goal is to bring carefully selected coffees to Spain that represent the best of Colombian coffee and the specialty coffee movement.

Each coffee tells a story: the story of the mountains where it grew, the hands that cultivated it, and the traditions that accompany it.

Frequently asked questions about specialty coffee

Is specialty coffee always more expensive?

Specialty coffee usually has a higher price because it involves greater care in cultivation, harvesting, and processing.

Is specialty coffee always from a single origin?

Many specialty coffees are single origin, but there are also blends carefully designed by roasters.

What is the difference between specialty coffee and gourmet coffee?

The term "gourmet" lacks a clear technical definition. In contrast, specialty coffee is defined through a professional quality assessment.

Is whole bean or ground coffee better?

Whole bean coffee retains its aromas better. Grinding it just before brewing allows you to enjoy a fresher cup.

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