What is specialty coffee?

Specialty coffee is a high-quality coffee that goes through a rigorous process from the bean to the cup. Every agent involved, from the plant's nutrition to the preparation of the cup, has to follow best practices to ensure the perfect taste.

The Specialty Coffee Association (SCA) created specific criteria that coffee must meet to be considered specialty. The Q-grader certified professionals are responsible for determining if the coffee meets the standards. Coffee is scored on a scale of 1-100 based on specific guidelines, and anything below 80 is not considered specialty.

To evaluate coffee, it needs to be roasted and ground. Then, water is poured directly into cups and left to brew for 3-5 minutes. Next, the foam is removed, and tasters use a spoon to slurp the coffee and spit it out. The tasters evaluate the coffee based on its fragrance, aroma, acidity, body, sweetness, balance, and flavor.

- Isabelle Core Team