What is Speciality Coffee and Why Does it Matter?
Defining Specialty Coffee
Speciality coffee is more than just a label—it’s a testament to quality, care, and craftsmanship at every stage of the coffee-making process. Defined by the Speciality Coffee Association (SCA), it refers to coffee that scores 80 points or higher on a 100-point scale, evaluated for factors like flavour, aroma, and overall excellence.
This high-quality coffee stands out for its unique flavour profiles, often influenced by the region where it’s grown. From fruity Ethiopian beans to chocolatey Colombian blends, specialty coffee is about highlighting the distinct characteristics that make each cup memorable.
How Speciality Coffee is Different
What sets speciality coffee apart from the generic supermarket variety? It starts with the beans. Speciality coffee is sourced from carefully selected farms, often grown in unique microclimates at high altitudes. These ideal conditions help beans develop complex flavours, which are nurtured through meticulous harvesting and processing methods.
Unlike commercial-grade coffee, specialty coffee prioritises traceability. Every bag tells a story—where it was grown, how it was processed, and who cultivated it. This transparency isn’t just about quality; it’s about ensuring ethical practices, fair wages, and sustainable farming.
For coffee drinkers, the difference is unmistakable. While commercial coffee often relies on blending and masking defects, Speciality coffee celebrates the natural characteristics of high-quality beans. Every cup is a journey into unique tastes and aromas, far removed from the generic bitterness of mass-produced blends.
The Journey of Speciality Coffee
Step 1 – Farming and Cultivation
Speciality coffee begins at the source: small-scale farms in regions with ideal growing conditions. Altitude, climate, and soil type all play a crucial role in shaping the beans’ flavour. Farmers dedicated to producing speciality coffee go above and beyond to cultivate their crops, focusing on quality rather than quantity.
Many speciality coffee farms use sustainable practices, like shade-growing and minimal chemical intervention, to protect the environment while producing exceptional beans. This commitment to quality is what sets speciality coffee apart from its commercial counterpart.
Step 2 – Harvesting and Processing
Speciality coffee beans are often hand-picked, ensuring only the ripest cherries are selected. This selective harvesting minimises defects and ensures the beans are at their peak for processing.
Processing methods further enhance the beans’ characteristics. Whether it’s the clean, bright flavours of washed coffee, the fruity intensity of natural coffee, or the balance of honey processing, each method adds its own twist to the final flavour profile.
Step 3 – Roasting and Tasting
Once the beans reach roasters, the artistry continues. Unlike commercial roasters that prioritise uniformity, speciality coffee roasters take a tailored approach, experimenting with roast levels to highlight each bean’s unique traits.
Tasting, or “cupping,” is a vital part of this process. Roasters evaluate aroma, acidity, body, and flavour to ensure the coffee meets speciality standards. This attention to detail is what makes every cup of speciality coffee a sensory delight.
Why Specialty Coffee Matters
Speciality coffee isn’t just about great flavour—it’s a movement that has a positive impact on farmers, the environment, and coffee drinkers alike.
- Social impact: Specialty coffee emphasises ethical sourcing, which means farmers are paid fairly for their work. This supports sustainable livelihoods in coffee-growing regions and helps communities thrive. Programs like RiSE Coffee’s Friendly Coffee Fund further empower these communities by addressing issues like child labour and access to education.
- Environmental impact: From sustainable farming techniques to eco-conscious packaging, speciality coffee is a greener choice. Many farms use organic or shade-grown methods that preserve biodiversity and minimise harm to the planet.
- Personal impact: For coffee lovers, speciality coffee offers an elevated experience. With its rich flavours, lower acidity, and focus on quality, every cup feels like a treat rather than just a routine pick-me-up.
When you choose speciality coffee, you’re supporting a more ethical and sustainable coffee industry while enjoying an exceptional brew.
Specialty Coffee and the UK Market
In recent years, the UK has embraced speciality coffee with open arms. From trendy cafés in London to independent roasters in the countryside, there’s a growing appreciation for quality coffee that goes beyond convenience.
Speciality coffee aligns with the UK’s evolving food and drink culture, where sustainability and transparency matter more than ever. Coffee lovers are seeking out independent roasters who can tell the story behind each bag—where the beans were grown, how they were harvested, and why they taste so unique.
RiSE Coffee has been at the forefront of this shift, connecting UK coffee lovers with speciality blends through our subscription boxes. By blind-tasting dozens of coffees each month, we select only the best to share with our community. Whether you’re new to speciality coffee or already a connoisseur, our boxes offer a chance to explore the finest coffee the UK has to offer.
How RiSE Coffee Supports Specialty Coffee
At RiSE Coffee, we’re passionate about raising the bar for what coffee can be. Here’s how we champion speciality coffee:
- Sourcing ethical, high-quality coffee: Every bean in our subscription boxes is sourced from independent roasters who share our commitment to transparency, sustainability, and quality.
- Curating unique experiences: Each month, we deliver two new speciality coffee blends to your door, complete with stories from the roasters and brewing tips. It’s more than coffee—it’s a journey into the world of exceptional beans.
- Giving back: Through our Friendly Coffee Fund, 1% of all sales go directly to coffee-farming communities, supporting education and better livelihoods.
By supporting speciality coffee, we’re helping to create a fairer and more sustainable coffee industry—one cup at a time.
Why You Should Make the Switch
Switching to speciality coffee isn’t just a treat for your taste buds—it’s a decision that benefits everyone involved in the coffee journey. Here’s why you should consider making the switch:
- Flavour and variety: Specialty coffee celebrates the unique characteristics of each bean. From fruity and floral notes to chocolatey richness, the flavour possibilities are endless, making every cup an adventure.
- Transparency: With speciality coffee, you know exactly where your coffee comes from. It’s a chance to connect with the farmers and roasters who pour their passion into each bean.
- Sustainability: By choosing speciality coffee, you’re supporting sustainable farming practices, fair wages for farmers, and environmentally conscious production methods.
At RiSE Coffee, we make the switch easy. Our subscription boxes let you discover new speciality blends every month, complete with brewing tips, treats, and stories that deepen your appreciation for great coffee.
Final Thoughts
Speciality coffee is so much more than just a morning pick-me-up—it’s a celebration of quality, care, and sustainability. From its journey on small farms to the artistry of independent roasters, every bean tells a story that’s worth savouring.
If you’re ready to transform your coffee experience, start with RiSE Coffee. Our expertly curated subscription boxes bring the best speciality coffee from across the UK straight to your door. It’s time to brew better, sip slower, and enjoy coffee the way it’s meant to be.
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