The Ultimate Guide to Buying Specialty Coffee

Your Guide to buying the best speciality coffee

Overview

Navigating the world of specialty coffee can be a steep learning curve for both casual coffee drinkers and budding connoisseurs alike. In our comprehensive buying guide, we aim to simplify this journey by breaking down the complex terminology, guiding you through different coffee beans and brew methods, and helping you understand how to identify quality when purchasing specialty coffee. Whether you're looking for your daily brew or a unique, aromatic experience, this guide will equip you with the knowledge needed to make informed choices in the vibrant universe of specialty coffee.

Key features

  1. Origin: The geographical location where the coffee beans are grown can significantly impact the flavor. Know the country and region of origin to understand the taste you can expect.
  2. Type of Bean: There are two major types of coffee beans - Arabica and Robusta. Arabica is generally sweeter and softer, while Robusta is harsher and contains more caffeine.
  3. Roast Date: Freshness matters in coffee. Look for the roast date on the packaging. Coffee is best used within a month of its roast date.
  4. Roast Level: Roast levels range from light to dark. The roast level changes the flavor of the coffee. Light roasts are more acidic, and dark roasts are more bitter.
  5. Flavor Notes: Specialty coffees often have flavor notes listed on the packaging. This gives an idea of the subtle flavors you might taste.
  6. Grind Size: Depending on your brewing method, you might need whole beans, coarse grind, medium grind, or fine grind.
  7. Price: The price of specialty coffee can vary widely. Decide your budget before shopping.
  8. Brand Reputation: Look for brands known for their quality and ethical sourcing practices.
  9. Organic and Fair Trade Certifications: If environmental impact and fair trade practices are important to you, look for these certifications on the packaging.
  10. Packaging: Look for packaging that reseals to keep your coffee fresh for longer.

See the most popular speciality coffee on Amazon

Important considerations

Pros

  • Superior Quality: Speciality coffee is grown in ideal climates and is rich in flavor due to the meticulous care it receives during its growth, harvest, and processing.
  • Unique Flavour Profiles: Depending on the origin, each speciality coffee has its own unique flavor profile. These flavors can range from fruity, floral, and sweet to nutty, chocolaty, and spicy.
  • Sustainable Practices: Many speciality coffee growers emphasize sustainable farming practices, which are better for the environment and for the coffee itself.
  • Fair Trade: Many speciality coffees are fair trade certified, ensuring that farmers receive a fair wage for their work and contributing to sustainable development in coffee-growing regions.
  • Better Taste Experience: Speciality coffee provides a superior taste experience compared to regular coffee due to its high quality and unique flavor profiles. It's not just coffee, it's a gourmet experience.
  • Health Benefits: Speciality coffee is naturally high in antioxidants and can provide a range of health benefits when consumed in moderation.

Cons

  • Price: Specialty coffee is typically more expensive than regular coffee due to its high-quality beans and complex production process.
  • Availability: Depending on your location, specialty coffee may not be readily available in local stores, and might require an online purchase or a trip to a specialty coffee shop.
  • Preparation Time: Specialty coffee often requires careful preparation and the right equipment to bring out its unique flavors and characteristics. This might be inconvenient for busy individuals who prefer quick and easy coffee preparation.
  • Storage Requirements: Specialty coffee beans require proper storage to maintain their freshness and flavor. This often means a cool, dark place and an airtight container.
  • Specific Equipment Needed: To fully enjoy the unique tastes and aromas of specialty coffee, specific brewing equipment, like a high-quality grinder or a specific type of coffee maker, might be necessary.

Best alternatives

  1. Green Tea: This is a perfect alternative for those who want a caffeine boost but with less intensity than coffee. It is known for its antioxidants and has a variety of flavors.
  2. Chicory Coffee: Chicory coffee is a great caffeine-free alternative to speciality coffee. It has a similar flavor profile and can be brewed in a similar way to traditional coffee.
  3. Matcha: A type of powdered green tea that is stronger in taste and caffeine content. It has become increasingly popular as a coffee substitute thanks to its well-documented health benefits.
  4. Yerba Mate: This South American drink is similar to tea but is often enjoyed in a similar social setting to coffee. It is known for its high caffeine content and its unique flavor profile.
  5. Chai: An Indian tea blend that is spiced with cardamom, ginger, and cinnamon, among other spices. It is generally less caffeinated than coffee but can provide a warm and comforting alternative.

Related tools, supplies, and accessories

  • Coffee Grinder - A good quality grinder is essential for grinding whole coffee beans to the right size for various brewing methods.
  • Pour Over Cone - This tool is used to make pour over coffee, a method which allows full control over the brewing process.
  • French Press - A French press is a popular brewing method that steeps coffee grounds in hot water before pressing them to the bottom, resulting in a rich and full-bodied brew.
  • Espresso Machine - For specialty espresso drinks, a high-quality machine is essential. It uses pressure to force hot water through finely ground coffee.
  • Specialty Coffee Beans - These are high-quality beans that have been sourced from specific microclimates and carefully processed. They offer unique and diverse flavors.
  • Coffee Scale - A scale can help measure the exact amount of coffee and water for consistent brewing results.
  • Gooseneck Kettle - A kettle with a long, thin spout allows for precise pouring, which is particularly important for methods like pour over.
  • Coffee Cupping Spoon - This is a special spoon used by professionals for tasting and evaluating the quality of coffee.
  • Digital Thermometer - This tool helps ensure the water is at the optimal temperature for brewing.
  • Coffee Filters - Depending on the brewing method, different types of filters may be required. Some methods use paper filters, while others use metal or cloth.

Common questions

  1. What is speciality coffee?
    Speciality coffee refers to the highest quality of coffee beans that are carefully sourced from specific microclimates, and meticulously processed and brewed. It scores 80 points or above on a 100 point scale by a certified coffee taster or a licensed Quality Grader.
  2. What makes speciality coffee different from regular coffee?
    The difference lies in the quality and processing of the beans. Speciality coffee undergoes rigorous taste testing, is often single-origin and has a traceable provenance. It's also usually grown in ideal climates and carefully harvested and processed to bring out unique flavors.
  3. How can I ensure I'm buying genuine speciality coffee?
    Genuine speciality coffee usually comes with details about its origin, the variety of coffee, who grew it, and how it was processed. Look for these details on the packaging. Also, buy from reputable speciality coffee roasters or retailers.
  4. How should I store speciality coffee for optimal freshness?
    Speciality coffee should be stored in an airtight container away from light, heat, and moisture. It's best to buy whole bean coffee and grind it just before brewing for optimal freshness.
  5. What's the best way to brew speciality coffee?
    There's no one-size-fits-all answer to this as it depends on personal preference. However, speciality coffee is best brewed using methods that can highlight its unique characteristics, such as pour-over, French press, or espresso. It's also important to use the right amount of coffee and water, correct temperature, and proper brewing time.

Trivia

Did you know that the world's most expensive coffee, Kopi Luwak, comes from the droppings of a small mammal called the Asian Palm Civet? This Indonesian coffee delicacy is made from beans that have been eaten and then excreted by the civet. The fermentation process in the civet's stomach is said to give the coffee its unique, smooth flavor. However, if you're considering trying this extravagant brew, be prepared for the price tag - it can cost up to $100 per cup! Truly a testament to the lengths some coffee enthusiasts will go for a special cup of joe. [Source](https://www.bbc.com/news/business-37350289)

Disclaimer: This buying guide was not created by humans, and it is possible that some of it's content is inaccurate or incomplete. We do not guarantee or take any liability for the accuracy of this buying guide. Additionally, the images on this page were generated by AI and may not accurately represent the product that is being discussed. We have tried to convey useful information, but it is our subjective opinion and should not be taken as complete or factual.