Why choose speciality coffee? Find out the differences that will change your coffee routine!

Why is it that some coffees can delight on aroma alone, while others... well, they're just coffee? The world of speciality coffees is a fascinating journey through flavours and aromas that you won't experience when drinking ordinary supermarket coffee. As passionate, high-quality coffee experts, we want to introduce you to a world that will change your approach to this unique beverage forever!

Summary:

1. What exactly is speciality coffee and why is it so special?
2. Main differences between speciality and commercial coffee
3. Why is it worth investing in speciality coffee?
4. How to choose your ideal speciality coffee?

What exactly is speciality coffee and why is it so special?

Speciality coffee is not just a fashionable term – it is a philosophy of quality and respect for coffee at every stage of its creation. The beans used to produce speciality coffee come from the best plantations in the world, where each plant is given special care. Unlike commercial coffees, the beans are harvested by hand, only when they have reached perfect maturity. This is the first but key element that makes speciality coffee stand out for its quality.

What's more, each batch of beans undergoes a rigorous assessment by qualified experts (Q-graders), who award points on a scale of 100 points. Among other things, aroma, flavour, acidity, sweetness, bitterness or flavour balance are assessed. Only coffee that scores at least 80 points can be awarded the designation “speciality coffee”. These are exacting standards which ensure that every cup of coffee provides an extraordinary taste experience!

Main differences between speciality and commercial coffee

The differences between a truly high-quality coffee and a commercial, store-bought product start at the growing and harvesting stage. The journey of speciality coffee from the bush to your cup is a fascinating story of attention to detail! Speciality coffee comes from hand-picked beans, allowing only the best to be carefully selected. With commercial coffee, the harvest is often standardised and mechanical, which undercuts the quality of the final product. In addition, any self-respecting speciality coffee roastery works directly with the growers, often paying them significantly more than with commercial coffee. This is known as Direct Trade, which guarantees not only fair remuneration for the farmers, but also the highest quality beans.

Another key difference is the way the beans are processed and roasted. High-quality coffee roasteries, especially local ones like our artisan coffee roastery, take into account the individual characteristics of the beans. The roasting process is done with the utmost precision to bring out the coffee's unique taste qualities. It is a true art that requires knowledge, experience and passion. Commercial coffee is often roasted on a mass scale, which unfortunately negatively affects its taste–- it becomes flat and the aroma is not very expressive. Unlike mass production, where repetition and efficiency are paramount, we focus on extracting the best aromatic characteristics from each bean.

Why is it worth investing in speciality coffee?

Buying speciality coffee from a good coffee shop is a guarantee of the freshness of the beans. Unlike the large chain coffees available on supermarket shelves, speciality coffee from a reputable coffee roastery is usually roasted on an ongoing basis in smaller batches. This ensures that the coffee reaches customers at the best time – just after roasting, maximising its flavour and aroma.

When you choose speciality coffee, you are not only investing in a better taste for your favourite beverage. It is also a conscious choice for sustainability and ethical production – respecting both the environment and human labour. The production of commercial coffee often overlooks issues such as working conditions on plantations or environmental impact. Meanwhile, speciality coffee is a guarantee that your morning cup of coffee has been created with respect for people and nature. Small plantations with a focus on sustainability often support the local community, and products roasted in small roasters guarantee fair wages for farmers. By choosing speciality coffee, you can be sure that you are supporting fair and sustainable agriculture.

Is the price difference between commercial and speciality coffee noticeable? Yes, but it is an investment in quality that you will feel in every sip! Imagine a coffee that smells of fresh berries, with notes of chocolate and caramel, or one that is reminiscent of juicy citrus with a delicate floral note. This is not poetry – this is the real experience that a high-quality speciality coffee can offer.

How to choose your ideal speciality coffee?

Wondering how to choose the best speciality coffee? First think about what you want from your drink. Do you love light, fruity flavours? Or do you prefer more robust coffees, with notes of dark chocolate and spices? Let us know and we'll help you find the perfect product to suit your taste! You'll find a variety of beans from different regions of the world – from aromatic Brazil to colourful Costa Rica and intriguing India!

If you fancy taking your coffee rituals to the next level, take a look at our coffee shop – Coffee Broastery. You'll find here a wide selection of speciality coffees. We assure you that the variety of flavours and aromas will take you on a real coffee journey that you will never want to end!