What is specialty coffee? A complete guide to the world of specialty coffee
Mar 15, 2025
Why is everyone talking about About specialty coffee?
Coffee is one of the most consumed beverages in the world, but not all cups of coffee are created equal. About you have heard about About specialty coffee but haven't quite understood what makes it so special, then you have come to the right place.
Specialty coffee has become a trend among coffee lovers and baristas worldwide, but it is about About more than just taste. It is a movement that puts quality, sustainability, and fair conditions for coffee farmers at the center. In this guide, we will dive deep into what specialty coffee is, what distinguishes it from regular coffee, and why it is the future of the coffee industry.
What is specialty coffee?
Specialty coffee is defined by its quality, origin, and the care taken at every step of the production chain – from cultivation to brewing. It is coffee that has been carefully evaluated by experts and scores at least 80 out of 100 according to the Specialty Coffee Association (SCA).
Three factors that define specialty coffee:
- Quality: Only the best coffee beans from carefully selected farms are used.
- Craftsmanship: Roasting is often done on a small scale and with great precision to highlight the natural flavors in the beans.
- Sustainability: Specialty coffee is grown with a focus on the environment and fair working conditions for farmers.
How does specialty coffee differ from regular coffee?
There are some key differences between specialty coffee and the coffee you find in convenience stores. Here are the main ones:
| Factor | Specialty Coffee | Commercial Coffee |
|---|---|---|
| Quality | Only the best beans, carefully selected. | Beans of varying quality, often defective. |
| Roasting | Slow, artisanal roasting that preserves flavor nuances. | Mass-produced roasting that burns away flavors. |
| Traceability | Full transparency regarding origin and growing conditions. | Often anonymous origin, difficult to trace. |
| Sustainability | Farming methods that protect the environment and support farmers. | Often mass production without environmental consideration. |
In other words – specialty coffee is not only better in taste, it is also better for both people and the planet.
Why is specialty coffee more expensive?
Many wonder why a bag of specialty coffee costs more than regular industrial coffee on the store shelf. The answer lies in how the coffee is grown, harvested, and handled.
Factors that affect the price of specialty coffee:
☕ Higher quality of raw material: Specialty coffee requires more careful selection of coffee beans, which increases costs.
☕ Fairer compensation to coffee farmers: Instead of buying coffee at low mass production prices, farmers are paid fairly.
☕ Sustainable farming methods: Specialty coffee often involves organic and sustainable farming practices that protect the environment.
☕ Slower and more precise roasting: Small-scale roasters use time and precision to highlight the natural flavors of the coffee, which costs more than quick industrial roasting.
When you buy specialty coffee, you are not just paying for a better tasting experience – you are investing in a more sustainable coffee industry.
How does specialty coffee taste?
One of the biggest advantages of specialty coffee is its complex and varied flavors. Depending on where the beans are grown and how they are processed, you can experience flavor notes of chocolate, berries, citrus, caramel, nuts, and much more.
Here are some common flavor profiles depending on the coffee's origin:
- Ethiopia – Fruity and floral, often with hints of blueberries or jasmine.
- Colombia – Balanced and sweet, with notes of caramel and red berries.
- Brazil – Chocolatey and nutty, often with low acidity.
- Kenya – Intense acidity and berry notes, often resembling blackcurrant or citrus.
About if you have never tried specialty coffee before, you will notice a huge difference compared to the bitter, over-roasted coffee often found in stores.
How can you try specialty coffee?
About if you are curious about exploring specialty coffee, there are some simple steps to get started:
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Choose coffee from a good roastery – Swedish specialty coffee roasters like Johan & Nyström, Lykke Kaffegårdar, Swerl Coffee, and Drop Coffee offer high-quality beans.
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Try different brewing methods – Pour-over, AeroPress, and espresso brewing can provide unique taste experiences.
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Read about About the coffee's origin – Each coffee has its own story and flavor profile.
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Experiment with grind size and brewing time – Small adjustments can make a big difference in taste.
Conclusion: Specialty coffee is the future
Specialty coffee is not just about About drinking coffee – it is a whole philosophy around sustainability, quality, and fairness. By choosing specialty coffee, you not only support better working conditions for farmers and a more environmentally friendly production, but you also get a coffee experience that is on a whole new level.
Are you ready to take the step into the world of specialty coffee? Take a look at our selection of carefully chosen beans from Sweden's best roasteries and discover the difference for yourself!
Have you tried specialty coffee?
Feel free to share your experience in the comments below! What is your favorite coffee and why?
