Is Specialty Coffee Worth It? Here’s Why You See Specialty Coffee Shops on Every Corner

If you love GREAT coffee, then it's definitely a “YES!”

Think about it this way: Who do you think would give you a more enjoyable coffee experience—the person just pressing buttons at a fast-food chain or the passionate coffee lover who has poured their heart and resources into starting a cozy little specialty coffee shop?

It’s more than just a coffee drink; it’s all about the hard work that goes into crafting it, the thoughtful choice of top-notch beans, and the precise brewing methods that make it special.

Each cup has its own story, reflecting the farmer's dedication and the roaster's skill.

What is Specialty Coffee?

Specialty coffee isn’t just a fancy word—it’s the top tier of coffee quality.

Specialty coffee is evaluated by certified Q Graders—professionals specifically trained to assess coffee quality. The score is influenced by complex elements such as aroma, flavor, aftertaste, acidity, body, balance, and the overall cup experience.

Specialty coffee is the best of the best in the coffee world. It's carefully grown, processed, roasted, and brewed to give you an amazing quality experience.

What is Considered Specialty Coffee?

What makes specialty coffee stand out is the incredible focus on every little detail from start to finish. It all starts at the farm, where beans thrive in perfect conditions—high altitudes, nutrient-rich soils, and climates just right for the particular coffee variety.

Quality Score: It needs to score at least 80 points out of 100 during cupping evaluations.

Defect-Free: Specialty green coffee beans must be free from primary defects and should exhibit only a few minor secondary defects.

Traceability: Specialty coffee can usually be traced back to a specific farm, cooperative, or area, which makes it clear where it came from.

Unique Flavor Profiles: Specialized coffee often exhibits distinctive flavor notes, such as fruity, floral, nutty, or chocolaty tones, depending on the variety and growing conditions.

Ethical and Sustainable Practices: A strong focus on sustainable farming practices, fair wages, and eco-friendly techniques.

Careful Processing: Every step, from harvesting to roasting, is carefully managed to keep the coffee’s unique qualities intact.

What Is The Difference Between Coffee And Specialty Coffee?

There are two main types of beans: arabica and Robusta.

Specialty coffees are actually part of the arabica category. Not all Arabica beans are considered special, but Robusta beans definitely aren't seen that way. Some grocery store blends might include Robusta beans.

As customer awareness grows, some companies are now promoting their coffee as 100% arabica. It’s not necessarily special, but it definitely steps out of the Robusta category.

Many people in the specialty coffee market view themselves as caretakers of the beans and care greatly about the art and the science behind coffee. When it comes to non-specialty coffee, you really don’t see that same level of attention.

Why Do People Drink Specialty Coffee?

We’re coffee geeks. We'd never call your favorite coffee drink "tasteless warm brown water" because, hey, taste is all about personal preference. If you love it, that's what really counts!

However, we really love specialty coffee drinks, and here’s why:

The Freshness

Opening a packet of freshly roasted specialty coffee beans is such a treat! The aroma that hits you is just amazing. Grind those beans, and WOW, that amazing smell just gets even stronger. You won't find this kind of experience with even the freshest packaged ground coffee you can grab from a store shelf.

The Aroma

The aroma of coffee adds to how it tastes overall. The different chemicals that come out while brewing make your coffee experience something special, taking it to a whole new level. Specialty coffee focuses on freshness and quality, making sure you get to enjoy all those subtle aromas and flavors to the max.

The Quality

If you’re into a dark, muddy, and bitter drink, you might not really get why specialty coffee is worth it. But for anyone who enjoys rich flavors and wants a more sophisticated coffee experience, having high-quality, freshly roasted specialty coffee beans is a must.

Is Specialty Coffee More Expensive?

Specialty coffee can be up to four times more expensive than regular coffee.

Regular coffee can cost from $5 to $10 per pound, while specialty coffee can cost $20 to $30 per pound.

Non-specialty coffee tends to be cheaper mainly because it uses lower-quality beans, has less careful production methods, and often doesn't prioritize fair pay for staff and producers.

How Do I Choose A Specialty Coffee?

Our daily driver is Jamaica Blue Mountain Coffee. Honestly, we’re confident in saying it’s the best specialty coffee bean out there!

Here's the full list of the world's finest specialty coffee. We’ll let you decide which one would fit your palate:

Making Specialty Coffee At Home

Selecting premium beans, grinding them precisely, and brewing them with care are all necessary for making specialty coffee.

Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to make specialty coffee:

Step 1: Choose High-Quality Beans

Start with high-quality specialty coffee beans that are freshly roasted.

Step 2: Grind Beans

For best freshness, grind the beans right before brewing in a burr grinder.

Step 3: Use Filtered Water

Make use of pure, filtered water that has been heated to between 195 and 205°F (90 and 96°C).

Step 4: Measure

To determine the coffee-to-water ratio, use a scale. Aim for a ratio of 1:18.

Step 5: Brewing Method

To extract the coffee, use a brewing technique such as pour-over, French press, or Aeropress. Observe the detailed directions for the method you have selected.

Step 6: Serve Fresh

To fully experience the coffee's flavor profile, serve it right away after it has been brewed.

The key to making the ideal cup of specialty coffee is accuracy and appreciation for each stage in the process.

Buy Specialty Coffee Online

While taste is subjective, we have a soft spot for Jamaica Blue Mountain Coffee. For those looking for the top specialty coffee, its smooth body, mild flavor, and absence of bitterness make it an exceptional option.

Experience the exceptional flavor and unmatched quality of Jamaica Blue Mountain Coffee. Click here to indulge in the best specialty coffee available worldwide. Your taste buds will thank you!

FAQs

Frequently Asked Questions About Specialty Coffee

Is specialty coffee healthier?

Specialty coffee might not be healthier than regular coffee, but it usually offers higher quality and more natural flavors, thanks to the careful selection and roasting methods used.

The beans are typically defect-free, and the coffee is brewed fresh, leading to a cleaner cup without any unwanted additives or chemicals.

Is Starbucks specialty coffee?

Starbucks offers a number of different coffee products, and some of them really stand out as specialty coffee. However, true specialty coffee usually comes from those smaller, independent roasters who really focus on quality, unique flavors, and making sure their sourcing is ethical.

Starbucks tends to prioritize broad appeal and uniform flavor profiles throughout its worldwide locations, which means it might not always fit the traditional definition of specialty coffee.

What is Grade 1 specialty coffee?

Grade 1 specialty coffee is considered the top-notch coffee according to the Specialty Coffee Association (SCA). This grading shows that the coffee has been carefully evaluated and has earned a score of 80 points or more out of 100.

How many specialty coffee roasters are there in the USA?

Right now, there are about 3,000 to 4,000 specialty coffee roasters across the USA. The number keeps rising as more and more people are looking for high-quality, unique coffee experiences.

What does specialty coffee taste like?

Specialty coffee is known for its rich and lively flavors, which can really change based on where the bean comes from, how it's processed, and the way it's roasted.

You can expect a lot of different tastes, like fruity, floral, nutty, chocolatey, or even spicy ones.

Specialty coffee is all about clarity and brightness in flavor, setting it apart from generic coffee.