What Is Specialty Coffee? Introduction and Key Features
Specialty coffee has gained global popularity as a refined and highly regarded category of coffee. Since 2017, it has received considerable attention due to its unparalleled quality. Distinguished in flavor, aroma, texture, and even visual appeal, this beverage represents the immense potential of high-quality coffee paired with an irresistible fragrance.
Special coffee is available in a wide variety of types, allowing enthusiasts to choose the one that best suits their taste. With its rich and aromatic flavor profile, this coffee is the number one choice for true coffee lovers around the world. If you are ready to begin a flavorful journey, this is the drink to start with.
The History of Specialty Coffee
Special coffee was first recognized in the 1970s in the United States, when consumers began seeking superior quality and more distinctive flavor profiles. The term “specialty coffee” was coined by Erna Knutsen in 1974 to describe coffees with unique taste characteristics.
Today, specialty coffee beans in Iran and worldwide are cultivated under strict conditions and processed with precision, making them highly sought after across the globe.
Specialty Coffee Scoring: SCA Standards
The Special Coffee Association (SCA) evaluates coffee based on strict criteria such as flavor, aroma, acidity, body, and aftertaste. A coffee that scores above 80 out of 100 is officially classified as special coffee. Coffees scoring above 85 are labeled as “excellent” and rare.
This standardized scoring system ensures the consistent quality of premium specialty coffee in Iran and other parts of the world, distinguishing it clearly from ordinary commercial varieties.
Types of Specialty Coffee
Contrary to popular belief, specialty coffee encompasses a wide range of varieties. Coffee lovers can choose from numerous types based on their unique preferences. Due to their distinct flavors and fragrances, special coffee types are gaining more attention than ever.
Special coffees are categorized based on botanical variety, geographic origin, and processing method. Here are some notable examples:
1. By Coffee Variety
Arabica Coffee: The most popular variety for specialty coffee, known for its nuanced flavors and smooth acidity.
Unique Arabica Cultivars: Including Bourbon, Typica, Catuai, and Geisha — each delivering a unique and distinguished flavor experience.
2. By Country of Origin
- Ethiopia: Coffees with floral aromas and fruity notes.
- Colombia: Exceptional balance of sweetness and acidity.
- Kenya: Bright, citrusy flavors with vibrant aromas.
- Panama: Especially famous for its Geisha variety, among the most expensive coffees in the world.
- El Salvador: Smooth and sweet coffees with balanced profiles.
3. By Processing Method
- Washed Process: Produces clean flavors and pronounced acidity.
- Natural Process: Delivers stronger fruity notes and higher sweetness.
- Honey Processed: A hybrid method yielding a balanced, rich flavor.
Types of Special Coffee Beverages
- Blended Specialty Coffee
- Medium Roast Specialty Coffee
- High-Grade Special Coffee
- Turkish Specialty Coffee
- Espresso Special Coffee, and more
Each type is crafted using specific recipes and often includes blends of Arabica and Robusta beans, roasted to preserve their signature flavors and aromas.
Blended Specialty Coffee
Blended specialty coffee is made by mixing premium beans from various origins. Rich in caffeine, it’s ideal for those seeking a bold and energizing beverage. The intense flavor profile appeals to those who appreciate bitter notes and robust coffee experiences.
This drink is particularly popular in Iran due to its compatibility with local taste preferences and remains a bestseller in domestic markets.
Medium Roast Specialty Coffee
A combination of finely ground Robusta and Arabica beans, medium roast special coffee is roasted professionally to preserve the integrity and freshness of the beans. The result is a smooth, chocolaty flavor that offers a refreshing and satisfying experience.
Turkish Specialty Coffee
Made from the finest beans, Turkish special coffee is roasted and ground into a fine powder. Traditionally served with sugar, it creates a delightful contrast between sweetness and bitterness. Its rich consistency and distinct flavor make it a favorite in Iran.
The balance of Arabica and Robusta beans plays a crucial role in achieving the perfect flavor, making every cup a unique experience.
Specialty vs. Commercial Coffee
Commercial coffees are mass-produced using lower-quality beans. In contrast, special coffee is sourced from top-grade beans and undergoes meticulous processing. It offers natural sweetness, balanced acidity, and aromatic complexity that elevate the drinking experience. This quality difference explains the growing popularity of special coffee around the world.
Tips for Buying Authentic Special Coffee
- Look for brands that disclose bean origin, processing methods, and coffee scores.
- Check the roast date — fresher beans provide better flavor.
- Inspect the beans for uniformity and integrity.
- Purchase whole beans and grind them just before brewing.
Where to Buy Specialty Coffee
Finding a reliable source for special coffee is key. Diamante Specialty Coffee is one of the leading suppliers in this field, offering premium-quality beans at exceptional prices.
Known for trust and authenticity, Diamante special coffee serves cafes and supermarkets across the country. Orders can be placed online within seconds.
Flavor of Specialty Coffee
With its refined bitterness and deep complexity, special coffee offers a unique tasting experience. Crafted from globally sourced, top-grade beans, every cup brings joy, clarity, and satisfaction.
Quality of Special Coffee
Each bean is meticulously inspected before roasting. Produced under global quality standards, special coffee stands in a league of its own. It is the top choice for anyone seeking a premium, full-bodied drink. Its quality far exceeds that of commercial coffees, offering a truly elevated experience.
Top Specialty Coffee Producers
- Ethiopia: The birthplace of coffee, known for floral and fruity notes
- Colombia: Balanced acidity and natural sweetness
- Kenya: Bright, intense flavors and aromas
- Guatemala: Full-bodied coffees with a variety of taste profiles
- Panama: Especially the Geisha variety, globally renowned
FAQ
1. Is there a difference between “specialty coffee” and “special coffee”?
No. Both refer to the same concept. “Specialty” is simply the formal term.
2. Why is special coffee more expensive?
Because of its exceptional quality, detailed production processes, and limited availability.
3. Is every flavorful coffee a special coffee?
No. Only those scoring over 80 on the SCA scale qualify as special coffee.
If you want to explore more about the world of premium specialty coffee in Iran, be sure to visit the Iran Specialty Coffee Expo or try Diamante specialty coffee, a true representation of specialty coffee beans in Iran.