Specialty coffee

About Specialty Coffee

If you’re on a search for the finest coffee out there, specialty coffee is where it’s at. Whether you’re a novice or a knowledgeable connoisseur, this type of coffee is bound to introduce you to a whole new world of flavours and aromas. Only 10% of the coffee produced worldwide earns the ‘specialty’ title. The Specialty Coffee Association (also known as the SCA) reserves this title for varieties that meet its high-quality standards.

When evaluating each coffee, certified coffee tasters pay close attention to numerous different features: these include, among others, aroma, flavour, aftertaste, acidity, body, sweetness, how well the flavours are balanced, how ‘clean’ the cup is, etc. Coffees scoring 80 points or more out of 100 earn the coveted ‘specialty’ designation Let’s explore Coffee Friend’s range of specialty varieties then, and find out how to pick the one that’s just right for your taste! 

What Makes Specialty Coffee Special?

To satisfy the requirements set by the SCA, specialty coffee undergoes a long journey, growing under unique conditions before being hand-picked and processed with care.

Just like fine wine, specialty coffee is the result of its natural surroundings, local microclimate, and altitude. Before buying your first specialty variety, explore the subtle world of specialty beans and their journey to your cup. The more knowledge and experience you acquire, the more smoothly the selection will go. Well, what can you expect from specialty coffee then?

What Is the SCA Score All About? 

All specialty coffees boast something called a ‘SCA score’, which goes from 80 to 100. A score of 90 to 100 points indicates coffee of the highest quality; 85–89.99 points mark excellent specialty coffee; while coffees with a score of 80–84.99 are considered to be very good. Some of these varieties are also limited-edition: this means that the coffee is hard to come by, which makes it even more special. For your convenience, you can filter specialty coffees based on their SCA score over at Coffee Friend’s online store, which makes the selection process much easier and quicker. 

Roasters select the best roast level to match the flavour profile of the beans they receive. Once roasted, these beans are delivered to the buyer. Another crucial figure is that of the coffee taster: tasters brew the roasted coffee and give it a try. While experimenting with different brewing methods, they find out which tools are suited best for the beans in question. The final result is an extraordinary drink that’s impossible to resist!

What Kind of Specialty Coffee Should You Go For? 

True connoisseurs know that the flavour of each specialty variety depends on its species, growing region, processing method, roast level, grind size, brewing technique, etc. The flavour, aroma and aftertaste are all right there in the coffee bean: all you need to do is uncover its finest features. There are two key ways of doing that, which correspond to the two types of coffee you’re most likely to encounter on the market: these are varieties suited for the espresso brewing method, and coffees designed for filter coffee makers.

The two brewing methods result in different flavours being brought to the surface. That’s why, when looking for the right coffee, you should either pick a variety suited for the brewing method you’re going to use, or go for the one that you find to be the most intriguing and use the brewing technique that the coffee in question is best suited for. Even the smallest details are worth paying attention to when exploring the world of specialty coffee: careful consideration will enable you to experience the depth of aroma and flavour that these varieties offer. 

Specialty Espresso Coffee: Rich Flavour in Every Sip

Espresso is pretty intense on its own—however, by choosing specialty coffee for this brewing method, you can create a flavour that’s even deeper, richer and more complex, and that could not be obtained using regular coffee. Originating from some of the world’s best-known coffee-growing regions and estates, specialty espresso coffee is guaranteed to please sworn fans of this recipe.

Those on a search for the right espresso variety should look through Coffee Friend’s ranges of specialty coffees Black Crow White Pigeon and specialty coffee blends Parallel. Explore numerous different aromas, and discover flavours that are like nothing you’ve tasted before! 

Specialty Filter Coffee: Delicate Discoveries

If you want to experience the best specialty coffee that it has to offer, consider giving specialty filter coffee a try. The filter brewing method is excellent at bringing the most delicate notes of your coffee beans to the forefront, creating a light body, silky consistency and certain purity of taste that coffee connoisseurs describe as a ‘clean cup’. Filter coffee makers and manual filter brewing tools make specialty coffee even richer and allow the whole gamut of flavours to come to the surface.

Coffee Friend’s range of products includes numerous specialty coffees from both well-known and niche brands. If you’re searching for excellent filter coffee, we suggest you browse through our very own Black Crow White Pigeon specialty line. Our customers love the variety that these coffees from different regions present them with: from dark, deep notes all the way to light, subtle aromas. Go ahead and create your own extraordinary coffee story!

Coffee Beans: Your First Step Towards Freshly Ground Coffee

Coffee beans are coffee in its most natural form. This is where the world of coffee begins, and where every great brew originates. Those on a search for the most vivid, intense flavours should definitely give specialty coffee beans a try. To get the most out of these beans, you should grind them right before preparation: this will help you uncover their finest qualities, and enjoy a truly delicious, rich, fragrant, full-bodied drink.

Our range of specialty coffees boasts beans of different flavours from a variety of brands. For your convenience, there’s a taste guide filter on our website, which allows you to select your favourite notes. What about berries, fruit, chocolate or wine, for example? Coffee Friend’s own specialty coffee and specialty coffee blends lines—Black Crow White Pigeon and Parallel—are also worth a look. Crafted with special care and attention, these specialty varieties embody the varied aromas of different coffee-growing regions, boast truly unique flavours, and are designed to provide you with the best possible taste experience. Black Crow White Pigeon invites you to delve deep into extraordinary specialty coffee stories, while Parallel presents coffee lovers with unique specialty coffee blends.

Ground Specialty Coffee: Quick & Easy

Brewing a great specialty cuppa can take some time. If you want to speed up the process, or if you don’t have a coffee grinder at home, you’ll be glad to find out that pre-ground specialty coffee is also an option. Using ground coffee, you can prepare a fragrant brew with ease. There are different grind sizes and roast levels available, so you can choose the one that’s suited best for your preferred brewing method. Get yourself some ground specialty coffee, and enjoy quality drinks with close to no effort! 

There are lots of flavour profiles to choose from, be it light and fruity or chocolatey and intense. When browsing through the wide range of specialty varieties at our online store, we suggest you take a look at the ground coffees from Coffee Friend’s own specialty lines Black Crow White Pigeon and Parallel. You’ll find different grind sizes too: from fine to coarse. Just pick a brewing method, and savour delicious drinks! 

Specialty Decaf Coffee: Excellent Alternative to Caffeinated Drinks

If you can’t or don’t want to consume caffeine, this doesn’t mean that you must forego the joys of coffee—nor does it preclude you from giving specialty coffee a try. Decaf coffee is a great alternative to caffeinated drinks. To make it even better, there are delicious specialty decaf varieties on the market as well. Although less numerous than regular specialty coffees, decaffeinated coffee still delivers an unforgettable taste experience. Coffee Friend’s range of decaf specialty varieties includes both coffee beans and pre-ground coffees, so there’s something in there for everyone. 

Stuck choosing the right decaf coffee for you? We recommend Coffee Friend’s own specialty Colombia Decaf from the Black Crow White Pigeon range. It boasts a truly impressive flavour profile: notes of chocolate, caramel, refreshing apples and citrus fruit result in a delightful combination. Moreover, these coffee beans have been decaffeinated using a natural decaffeination method. As many as 99.9% of caffeine has been successfully removed and, even more importantly, this has been done without compromising on flavour or aroma.

Specialty Coffee for Different Brewing Methods 

Choosing your preferred type of coffee is only part of the process. Another important criterion is the brewing method that you plan on using. Depending on the method you select, different flavours will get uncovered, enabling you to discover the taste of your specialty coffee anew each time. Feel free to experiment with different techniques, or find your favourite and use it when trying new specialty varieties!

Specialty coffee for bean-to-cup machines

When looking for this type of coffee, choose varieties suited for the espresso brewing method. More often than not, coffee for bean-to-cup machines has the word ‘espresso’ written somewhere on the packaging. It’s usually dark- or medium-roasted. Specialty coffees designed for this brewing method tend to be more acidic, by the way—it’s a delicious, sweet kind of acidity though, which we’re sure you’ll love. 

Specialty coffee for espresso machines

The combination of skill, knowledge and a semi-automatic coffee machine will enable you to obtain an unforgettable espresso. Keep in mind that the finest brews are always prepared using freshly ground coffee, so we suggest you grind your beans right before brewing. If you want to speed up the process, you can go for pre-ground coffee suited for the espresso brewing method. Coffee for espresso machines is usually medium- or dark-roasted, which helps its flavours develop faster. 

Specialty coffee for filter machine

This brewing method is known for its ability to unveil the subtlest of tasting notes, which is why specialty coffee for filter machine tends to boast a particularly ‘clean’ flavour. Those on the lookout for the finest tastes should go for light- or medium-roasted specialty coffee beans.

Specialty coffee for moka pots

Moka pots are all about intense flavours, full-bodied drinks, and the kind of richness that may remind you of espresso. If you want to give authentic, Italian-style coffee for moka pots a try, we suggest choosing dark-roasted specialty espresso blends. Those who like to experiment can go for light- or medium-roasted specialty coffee beans instead. It’s all a matter of personal taste: do you prefer your coffee strong and piquant, or fruity, delicate and a bit more acidic? 

Specialty coffee for percolators

Coffee percolators embody freedom and the spirit of experimentation. Coffee for percolators must be ground, so grind size is of the utmost importance here. The finer the grind of your specialty coffee, the more intense and piquant the drink. In contrast, as the grind gets coarser, the brew grows more delicate. To obtain a well-balanced flavour, we recommend choosing specialty coffee of a medium grind.

Specialty coffee for French presses

Using a French press, you can prepare a delicious specialty brew in as little as several minutes! Keep in mind, however, that the best coffee for French presses tends to be marked by a medium to coarse grind. As far as its roast level is concerned, it all depends on your personal taste: choose dark-roasted beans for a deliciously bitter specialty cuppa, or go for a medium to light roast if you prefer your coffee subtler and more delicate.

Specialty coffee for Chemex coffee makers

While this brewing method may be a bit more difficult to master, it’s guaranteed to reward you with extraordinary flavours and mouth-watering aromas. If you want to find out what quality coffee for Chemex coffee makers is all about, choose beans of a medium grind to ensure a well-balanced taste. To obtain a lighter, more delicate cuppa, pick specialty coffees of a light to medium roast. 

Specialty coffee for coffee drippers

Enjoying excellent specialty coffee doesn’t have to be difficult at all. If you don’t believe us, try using a coffee dripper and see for yourself! Coffee for coffee drippers is just right for those who like their coffee delicate, subtle, and lighter than espresso. To obtain a cup of rich, light-bodied dripper coffee, choose specialty varieties of a medium to light roast. Medium-roasted beans will endow your drink with some extra sweetness and well-balanced acidity, while coffees of a lighter roast will make your brew fruitier and more refreshing. 

Specialty coffee for Aeropress coffee makers

To uncover the most complex tasting notes and enjoy the most vivid of flavours, give Aeropress a try. Coffee for Aeropress coffee makers must be pre-ground. When choosing the right specialty coffee, go for a medium to finer grind. Aeropress coffee makers are suited for various grind sizes, but remember that the coarser the grind, the less intense the flavour!

Specialty coffee for cold brew coffee makers

This type of tool offers coffee lovers the opportunity to experience a truly unique brewing ritual. Coffee for cold brew coffee makers is prepared without hot water, so it tends to be extremely flavourful and suited great for specialty varieties. To obtain an excellent, delightfully subtle cold brew coffee, choose beans of a light to medium roast. 

Specialty Coffee Sets

Set out on a trip across different coffee-growing regions without stepping a foot outside your home! All of the specialty coffee sets (ant their blends) in our range of products are designed to introduce you to age-old traditions and unique flavours found in different countries. Those looking for something special should browse through sets made up of Coffee Friend’s own coffees from the Black Crow White Pigeon and Parallel lines. They’re designed to uncover truly extraordinary tastes and aromas. Each set includes coffee beans originating from different coffee-growing regions, like Ethiopia, Colombia and Kenya, which enables coffee lovers to delve into the subtleties of this enchanting drink. In addition to enriching your daily coffee ritual, these sets can serve as an excellent gift. Delight your loved ones by giving them a chance to discover their new favourite coffee variety!

Locally Roasted Specialty Coffee

Specialty coffee is an absolutely unique treat. It’s even more so when it’s been roasted locally. What makes such coffee extra special? First of all, let’s talk about unmatched freshness. More often than not, local roasters process small batches of coffee, which is why it’s as fresh and fragrant as it gets. Secondly, there’s an additional layer of quality control: roasters like that pay special attention to each single batch and are on a mission to uncover the finest flavours hidden in every bean. Thirdly, there’s the human element: by buying locally roasted coffee, you support local businesses and can enjoy a drink whose origins are much easier to trace. 

100% Arabica vs. Coffee Blends: Which One Is Better, and What For? 

While there are exceptions to this rule, most specialty coffees contain 100% single-origin arabica coffee beans. Such coffee is usually marked by vivid, exotic tasting notes, which is what the majority of people are looking for when buying a specialty variety. This is also why we always recommend you enjoy your specialty brews on their own, with no additional ingredients. They’re so unique and tasty that adding something else into the mix can only obscure their finest qualities. Arabica and robusta blends are different: they can be made up of as many as 5 or 9 different varieties. The flavour of blends tends to be more balanced, and their tasting notes aren’t as pronounced. Unlike specialty coffee, blends are suited great for milk-based recipes, as well as coffees with syrup or other ingredients. 

Single-Origin Coffee: What Does It Mean? 

As you explore the world of coffee, you’re likely to encounter the phrase ‘single-origin’ on some coffee packages, and the word ‘blend’ on others. While blends contain coffee beans originating from a variety of coffee-growing regions, single-origin varieties all come from a single location, or even the same coffee farm. Keep in mind though that not all single-origin coffees fall under the specialty label. If there’s no SCA score or the word ‘specialty’ on the packaging, this can only mean that the coffee you’re eyeing boasts traceable origins, but it’s not part of the specialty coffee realm. 

Need Advice?

If you want to learn more about specialty coffee take a look at our blog post Specialty Coffee: Delve Into Extraordinary Coffee Stories.

Still unsure as to which specialty variety is right for you? Interested in other types of coffee? Don’t hesitate to reach out to Coffee Friend’s consultants: they can be reached via e-mail or phone.