What is Specialty Coffee and What Makes It Special?

If you’re a coffee lover, you’ve probably heard the term “specialty coffee” thrown around. But what exactly does it mean, and what makes it different from your regular cup of coffee? In this blog, we’ll explore the world of specialty coffee and why it’s become a favorite among coffee connoisseurs.

What is Specialty Coffee?

Specialty coffee is a term used to describe coffee beans of the highest quality, carefully grown, harvested, and roasted to bring out the unique flavors of the beans. The Specialty Coffee Association (SCA) defines it as coffee that scores 80 points or above on a 100-point scale, based on criteria such as aroma, flavor, aftertaste, and body. This score is determined through a process known as cupping, where trained tasters evaluate the coffee beans to ensure they meet high standards.

Unlike mass-produced coffee, specialty coffee is often grown in specific regions with optimal growing conditions, such as high altitudes and specific climates, which contribute to the unique flavor profiles of the beans. Additionally, these beans are typically processed with care, avoiding defects or contamination.

What Makes Specialty Coffee Special?

Several factors set specialty coffee apart from your average cup of joe. Here are a few reasons why specialty coffee is so special:

Sourcing Quality Beans
Specialty coffee starts with the quality of the beans. Coffee beans grown in specific regions, like Ethiopia, Colombia, and Guatemala, have unique flavor profiles that reflect the terroir (environmental conditions) of their origin. These beans are often harvested by hand to ensure that only the best cherries make it to the roaster.
Expert Roasting
Specialty coffee beans are roasted with precision to highlight their natural flavors. While some beans may be roasted to a dark, bold roast, others are lightly roasted to preserve their fruity or floral notes. A skilled roaster can bring out the nuances in the coffee, enhancing its complexity and aroma.
Freshness
Freshness is a key factor that makes specialty coffee stand out. Specialty coffee beans are usually roasted to order, meaning you’re getting the freshest beans available. The flavor of coffee deteriorates over time, so freshness plays a huge role in the taste of the final cup.
Sustainability and Ethics
Many specialty coffee brands, including Think Coffee UAE, prioritize ethical sourcing practices. This means they work directly with coffee farmers who practice sustainable farming techniques, ensuring that the farmers are paid fairly for their hard work and that the coffee is grown in an environmentally friendly way.
Flavor Complexity
One of the most exciting aspects of specialty coffee is its flavor complexity. Specialty coffee beans can have a wide range of flavor profiles, from fruity and bright to rich and chocolatey. These beans often have distinctive notes that reflect their origin, such as berry-like sweetness, floral aromas, or nutty undertones.

Our Specialty Coffee Beans at Think Coffee UAE

At Think Coffee UAE, we offer a curated selection of premium specialty coffee beans, each with its own distinct flavor profile. Here are a few of our bestsellers:

Brazil Fazenda
A smooth, nutty coffee with chocolate undertones. This medium roast is perfect for those who enjoy a balanced and well-rounded cup.
Colombia Huila
A bright and fruity coffee with notes of citrus and tropical fruits. This coffee is perfect for those who prefer a lively and aromatic brew.
Costa Rican Coffee Beans
Sweet and fruity with a crisp finish. This light roast brings out the vibrant, fresh flavors of Costa Rican coffee.
El-Salvador Coffee Beans
A smooth coffee with subtle notes of caramel and citrus, perfect for a light and refreshing morning brew.

Why Choose Specialty Coffee?

Choosing specialty coffee means you’re opting for a more flavorful, fresh, and ethical cup of coffee. Whether you’re brewing a cup at home with a French press, espresso machine, or pour-over, specialty coffee beans will elevate your coffee experience to new heights. At Think Coffee UAE, we’re passionate about providing the finest specialty coffee for our customers. Our beans are roasted to order, ensuring that you get the freshest and most flavorful cup every time.

Ready to experience the difference? Browse our selection of coffee beans today and take your coffee game to the next level