Specialty vs Commercial Coffee: Understanding the Difference

Industrial process of converting the raw fruit of the coffee plant into the finished coffee.

In the world of coffee, there are two main categories that most coffees fall into: specialty and commercial. These two categories differ in several key ways, including quality, sourcing, roasting, and pricing.

What is Specialty Coffee?

Specialty coffee refers to the highest quality of coffee beans that are sourced from specific microclimates around the world. These beans are carefully selected for their unique flavors and characteristics, and are typically grown in ideal conditions, hand-picked, and processed with great care to preserve their inherent qualities.

The Specialty Coffee Association (SCA) plays a significant role in defining and maintaining the standards for specialty coffee. The SCA has a rigorous grading system that evaluates coffee based on several factors, including flavor, aroma, "defects" (like damaged beans), and more. Only coffees that score 80 points or above on a 100 point scale are considered "specialty."

How Does Specialty Coffee Differ from Commercial Coffee?

Commercial coffee, on the other hand, is often mass-produced and sourced from various locations, making it difficult to trace its origin. The focus is more on quantity rather than quality, which often results in a less flavorful cup of coffee.

In terms of roasting, commercial coffee is often roasted in large batches to a medium or dark roast to ensure uniformity and to mask any undesirable flavors. Specialty coffee is typically roasted in smaller batches to a variety of roast levels, with the goal of highlighting the unique flavors and characteristics of each bean.

When it comes to pricing, specialty coffee is generally more expensive than commercial coffee. This is due to the meticulous care taken at every step of the process, from growing and harvesting to processing and roasting.

The Impact of Specialty Coffee

The rise of specialty coffee has had a significant impact on the coffee industry and coffee culture. It has led to a greater appreciation for the craft of coffee making and has elevated the coffee experience from a daily routine to a sensory experience.

Moreover, the specialty coffee movement places a strong emphasis on sustainability and fair trade, ensuring that coffee farmers are paid fairly for their work and encouraging practices that are environmentally friendly.

How to Identify and Appreciate Specialty Coffee

Identifying specialty coffee can be as simple as looking for the term "specialty" on the packaging, but it also helps to know what to look for in terms of flavor, aroma, and even the information provided by the roaster.

Specialty coffees often come with detailed information about the coffee's origin, the variety of the coffee plant, the altitude at which it was grown, the method of processing, and tasting notes.

When it comes to appreciating specialty coffee, it's all about taking the time to savor the experience. Pay attention to the aroma, the flavor, the body, and the acidity. Specialty coffee offers a wide range of flavors and aromas, from fruity and floral to chocolaty and nutty.

In conclusion, the world of specialty coffee offers a rich and rewarding experience for those willing to delve into it. Whether you're a coffee connoisseur or a casual coffee drinker, there's always something new to discover in a cup of specialty coffee.