What Is Specialty Coffee?

If you’ve ever stepped into a craft coffee shop and seen “specialty coffee” on the menu, you might have wondered—what makes it special? Is it just a fancy term for good coffee, or is there more to it? At Script Coffee, we’re all about great coffee with a great story, so let’s break it down.

The Definition of Specialty Coffee

Specialty coffee isn’t just a marketing term—it’s a standard set by the coffee industry. The Specialty Coffee Association (SCA) defines specialty coffee as beans that score 80 points or higher on a 100-point scale. These scores are determined by trained coffee tasters (called Q graders) who evaluate everything from aroma and flavor to balance and aftertaste.

What Makes Specialty Coffee Different?

The journey of specialty coffee starts long before it reaches your cup. Here’s what sets it apart:

• Exceptional Growing Conditions – Specialty coffee is typically grown at higher elevations with ideal climate conditions that enhance the flavor profile.

• Careful Harvesting & Processing – The best coffee comes from hand-picked, perfectly ripe cherries that are carefully processed to preserve their unique characteristics.

• Expert Roasting – Unlike mass-produced coffee, specialty beans are roasted in small batches to bring out their best flavors, rather than masking defects.

• Precision Brewing – The way coffee is brewed plays a huge role in the final taste. Baristas and home brewers alike take great care in measuring, grinding, and extracting coffee to highlight its best attributes.

Why Specialty Coffee Matters

So why should you care about specialty coffee? Because it’s more than just a drink—it’s an experience. Here’s why it stands out:

• Better Flavor – Specialty coffee offers complex tasting notes like citrus, chocolate, or floral hints, rather than the one-dimensional bitterness of lower-quality coffee.

• Ethical Sourcing – Specialty coffee often comes from farms that practice sustainability, fair wages, and ethical trade, making every sip more meaningful.

• Craft & Community – From farmers to roasters to baristas, specialty coffee connects people who are passionate about quality and innovation.

Ready to Taste the Difference?

If you’re ready to explore the world of specialty coffee, start by trying freshly roasted beans from a trusted roaster (like us at Script Coffee!). Experiment with different brewing methods, pay attention to tasting notes, and most importantly—enjoy the process.

At Script Coffee, we believe every cup tells a story. What will your next cup say?