Specialty Coffee

The Specialty Coffee Association (SCA) grades coffee quality using a points system. Certified tasters, called cuppers, score aroma, flavor, acidity, texture, and aftertaste. Coffee scoring 80 points or higher is called “specialty.” Anything below that is commodity coffee.

In practice, this means:

• The cherries were picked at peak ripeness.
• The coffee was processed with traceability in mind.
• It has a recognizable, distinctive flavor profile.

Specialty coffee isn’t necessarily expensive or complicated. It means the coffee was made with care, from the farm all the way to your bag.

The word is sometimes used as a marketing term too. The simple check: does the seller share the country of origin, the region, the processing method, and the flavor profile? Then it’s likely genuine. Does the label just say “specialty” with no context at all? Be skeptical.

At EasyBeans, every product is traceable down to the plot. Not to show off — but because without that information, dialing it in at home is guesswork.

Frequently Asked Questions

What’s the difference between specialty coffee and regular supermarket coffee?

The difference is quality and traceability. Supermarket coffee is a blend of commodity beans, selected for price and consistency. Specialty coffee scores 80+ on the SCA scale, is traceable down to the plot, and has a distinctive flavor profile that’s carefully preserved. The price difference comes from paying farmers better, more careful processing, and smaller batches.

Is specialty coffee always light roasted?

No. Light roasting is popular in specialty coffee because it lets the bean’s unique flavors come through clearly. But a well-executed dark roast specialty coffee exists too — it just aims for a different flavor goal. Light roasted specialty coffee shows fruit and acidity; dark roasted specialty coffee is richer, nuttier, and less fruity. Both can clear the 80+ threshold.

How do I recognize genuine specialty coffee?

Look for three things: 1) Is there a specific country or region on the label? 2) Is a processing method listed, like washed, natural, or honey? 3) Is there information about the farmer or cooperative? If the packaging just says “specialty” with nothing else, it’s probably marketing. Real specialty sellers share the whole chain — because they’re proud of it.