What is a Specialty Coffee Drink?

specialty coffee

Introduction

In recent years, coffee culture has seen a significant evolution, with a growing appreciation for quality, craftsmanship, and innovation. Central to this movement is the concept of "specialty coffee." Unlike your average cup of joe, specialty coffee represents the pinnacle of coffee quality and artistry. But what exactly is a specialty coffee drink, and what sets it apart from regular coffee? This article explores the intricacies of specialty coffee, from its origins to the various factors that contribute to its unique status.

The Definition of Specialty Coffee

Specialty coffee is a term used to describe the highest quality of coffee available, distinguished by its exceptional taste and distinct flavor profiles. The concept was first introduced in 1974 by Erna Knutsen in an issue of the Tea & Coffee Trade Journal. Knutsen used the term to describe beans with unique flavor profiles produced in special microclimates.

Today, specialty coffee is recognized by several key criteria:

  1. Quality of the Beans: Specialty coffee starts with high-quality beans. These are typically Arabica beans, which are known for their superior flavor compared to the more robust but less flavorful Robusta beans. The beans must score 80 points or higher on a 100-point scale used by the Specialty Coffee Association (SCA) to be classified as specialty grade.
  2. Traceability: Specialty coffee is often traceable back to its origin. This means consumers can know exactly where their coffee was grown, down to the specific farm or cooperative. This traceability is crucial for quality control and fosters a deeper connection between consumers and producers.
  3. Sustainable Practices: Many specialty coffee producers emphasize sustainable farming practices. This includes everything from organic farming to fair trade practices that ensure farmers are compensated fairly for their work.
  4. Expert Craftsmanship: The journey from bean to cup involves numerous steps, including harvesting, processing, roasting, and brewing. Each of these steps requires expertise and precision to ensure the coffee's quality is maintained. Specialty coffee is often handpicked, carefully processed, expertly roasted, and brewed to perfection.

The Journey from Bean to Cup

The process of creating a specialty coffee drink involves several meticulous steps, each contributing to the final product's exceptional quality and flavor.

  1. Cultivation and Harvesting: Specialty coffee begins with the cultivation of high-quality Arabica beans. These beans are often grown at high altitudes in specific microclimates that provide the ideal conditions for coffee plants. The beans are handpicked to ensure only the ripest cherries are selected, which is a labor-intensive but crucial step for maintaining quality.
  2. Processing: Once harvested, the coffee cherries undergo processing to remove the outer fruit and reveal the beans inside. There are several processing methods, including washed, natural, honey, and anaerobic processing, each imparting different flavor characteristics to the beans.
  3. Drying and Milling: After processing, the beans are dried and then milled to remove any remaining layers of parchment or mucilage. Proper drying is essential to prevent spoilage and ensure the beans retain their flavor.
  4. Grading and Sorting: The beans are then graded and sorted based on size, weight, and quality. Defective beans are removed to ensure only the best make it to the roasting stage.
  5. Roasting: Roasting is a critical step in the specialty coffee process. Skilled roasters carefully control the temperature and duration of the roast to bring out the beans' unique flavor profiles. The goal is to highlight the beans' natural characteristics rather than overpower them with the roast's intensity.
  6. Brewing: The final step is brewing, where the expertise of the barista comes into play. There are numerous brewing methods, including pour-over, espresso, Aeropress, and French press, each of which can highlight different aspects of the coffee's flavor.

Popular Specialty Coffee Drinks

Specialty coffee encompasses a wide range of beverages, each with its unique preparation method and flavor profile. Here are some popular specialty coffee drinks that have captured the hearts of coffee enthusiasts worldwide:

  1. Espresso: The foundation of many specialty coffee drinks, espresso is a concentrated coffee brewed by forcing hot water through finely-ground coffee. Its rich, intense flavor makes it a favorite among coffee purists.
  2. Pour-Over: This manual brewing method involves pouring hot water over coffee grounds in a slow, controlled manner. The result is a clean, nuanced cup of coffee that highlights the beans' intricate flavors.
  3. Chemex: Similar to pour-over, the Chemex is a specific type of coffee maker that uses a thicker filter, resulting in a cup with a clean, crisp taste and reduced bitterness.
  4. Aeropress: The Aeropress is a versatile brewing device that combines elements of both pour-over and espresso. It uses air pressure to force hot water through coffee grounds, producing a smooth, full-bodied cup.
  5. Cold Brew: Made by steeping coarsely-ground coffee in cold water for an extended period (typically 12-24 hours), cold brew coffee is known for its smooth, low-acid profile.
  6. Flat White: Originating from Australia and New Zealand, the flat white is an espresso-based drink with steamed milk, similar to a latte but with a higher coffee-to-milk ratio and a velvety texture.
  7. Cappuccino: A classic Italian coffee drink, the cappuccino consists of equal parts espresso, steamed milk, and milk foam, creating a balanced, creamy beverage.
  8. Latte: A popular choice among coffee lovers, the latte is made with a shot of espresso and steamed milk, topped with a small amount of milk foam. It's often enjoyed with various flavored syrups.

The Specialty Coffee Experience

Part of what sets specialty coffee apart is the overall experience it offers. From the moment you step into a specialty coffee shop, you are immersed in a world of aromas, flavors, and craftsmanship. Baristas, often referred to as coffee artisans, play a crucial role in this experience. Their expertise in brewing techniques and their passion for coffee contribute to creating a memorable cup for each customer.

Specialty coffee shops also emphasize education and transparency. Many offer coffee tastings, brewing workshops, and detailed information about the origins and characteristics of the beans they use. This educational aspect helps consumers appreciate the nuances of different coffees and fosters a deeper connection to the coffee-making process.

The Future of Specialty Coffee

As consumer demand for high-quality, ethically-sourced coffee continues to grow, the specialty coffee industry is poised for further innovation and expansion. Several trends are shaping the future of specialty coffee:

  1. Sustainability: With increasing awareness of environmental and social issues, sustainability is becoming a central focus in the specialty coffee industry. This includes practices like regenerative agriculture, reducing carbon footprints, and supporting fair trade initiatives.
  2. Technology: Advances in technology are enhancing every aspect of coffee production, from precision farming techniques to sophisticated brewing equipment. Innovations like smart coffee makers and AI-driven roasting profiles are pushing the boundaries of what's possible.
  3. Diversity and Inclusion: The specialty coffee industry is striving to be more inclusive, supporting diverse voices and promoting equity throughout the supply chain. This includes initiatives to support marginalized communities and ensure fair wages for all workers involved in coffee production.
  4. Experimental Processes: Coffee producers and roasters are continuously experimenting with new processing methods and flavor profiles. This spirit of innovation leads to exciting new coffee experiences and pushes the boundaries of traditional coffee flavors.

Conclusion

Specialty coffee represents the pinnacle of coffee quality, craftsmanship, and sustainability. From its meticulous cultivation and processing to the expert brewing techniques used to prepare each cup, specialty coffee offers a unique and memorable experience for coffee lovers. As the industry continues to evolve, driven by a passion for excellence and a commitment to ethical practices, the future of specialty coffee looks brighter than ever. So, the next time you savor a cup of specialty coffee, take a moment to appreciate the journey from bean to cup and the dedication of everyone involved in creating that extraordinary drink.

Hayman is a specialty coffee roaster and a proud member of the Specialty Coffee Association since 2015. At Hayman’s online coffee store, you will find a large variety of the most impressive specialty coffees, which are all fresh roasted for you. All of these delicious coffee treasures are available as whole bean, ground coffee, and as coffee pods/capsules compatible most single-serve machines - click here to order now, we offer free worldwide shipping on all purchases!