What is specialty coffee?
Specialty coffee is Arabica coffee graded 80 points or higher on the Specialty Coffee Association's 100-point scale — sourced transparently, roasted to express origin, and prepared with precision.
The definition, in one line
Specialty coffee is Arabica coffee that scores 80+ on the SCA's 100-point cupping scale. The score reflects bean quality, the absence of defects, and the presence of distinct flavour characteristics tied to the coffee's origin.
How specialty coffee is graded
Coffees are evaluated through a formal protocol called cupping, conducted by certified Q graders — licensed sensory professionals trained to score green and roasted coffee against ten attributes: fragrance/aroma, flavour, aftertaste, acidity, body, balance, uniformity, clean cup, sweetness, and overall.
- 80–84: very good (specialty grade entry)
- 85–89: excellent
- 90+: outstanding (rare, often competition lots)
What makes coffee "specialty" in practice
Beyond the score, specialty coffee implies a set of practices:
- Traceability — to a specific farm, cooperative, or producer, not just a country
- Direct or relationship trade — prices paid above commodity rates, often above Fair Trade minimums
- Quality roasting — lighter, profile-roasted to preserve the bean's intrinsic character
- Skilled preparation — espresso dialled in daily, pour-over by ratio and time, calibrated grinders
- Transparency — tasting notes, process, farm, and roast date on every bag
Specialty coffee vs. third-wave coffee
The two terms overlap but aren't identical. Specialty refers to the grade of the coffee. Third wave refers to the cultural and commercial movement that elevated coffee preparation, presentation, and sourcing to a craft on par with wine or craft beer. Most third-wave cafés serve specialty coffee; not all specialty coffee is served third-wave style.
How to know if a café is specialty
Look for these signals:
- Single-origin coffees named on the menu (farm, country, process)
- Lighter roasts than chain coffee
- A proper grinder (Mahlkönig, Mythos, EK43, Anfim)
- Pour-over, Aeropress, or filter alongside espresso
- Staff who can name the farmer and tasting notes
- Roast date printed on the bag (not a "best by" date)
Where to find specialty coffee
Roasters maps every specialty café and roaster the community has verified — 23,000+ across 126 countries. Use the city guides to find specialty coffee anywhere in the world, or download the app for the full map, hours, reviews, and photos.
