Specialty coffee isn’t just any morning brew—it’s a craft, a passion, and a commitment to quality that touches every stage of the coffee journey. At its heart, specialty coffee is about careful attention, ethical practices, and clear transparency from bean to cup. In this guide, we’ll explain what makes specialty coffee truly special, share a bit of its fascinating history, and show you why choosing it can make a positive difference for you and for those who grow and produce it.
What sets specialty coffee apart?
Quality standards
To earn the label “specialty,” a coffee must score 80 or above on the 100-point scale set by the Specialty Coffee Association (SCA). This score is determined through detailed cupping sessions—a systematic tasting process carried out by certified Q Graders (expert coffee tasters). They assess factors such as aroma, flavour, acidity, body, and balance. In practice, only about 10% of the world’s coffee meets these high standards, making specialty coffee a true mark of exceptional quality.
Transparency and traceability
Every step of the coffee’s journey is carefully documented—from the farm where the coffee cherries are grown to the tasting notes recorded by experts. This transparency not only helps you understand the unique flavour profile of each coffee but also highlights the ethical and sustainable practices behind it.
The SCA Flavour Wheel
A favourite tool among coffee professionals, the SCA Flavour Wheel maps out the wide range of aromas and tastes you might experience in a well-prepared cup. This handy visual guide makes it easier to appreciate the subtle complexities that define specialty coffee.
A brief history of specialty coffee
The term “specialty coffee” was first introduced in 1974 by Erna Knutsen, who wanted to set apart high-quality beans from those mass-produced in large volumes. The movement really took off in 1982 with the creation of the Specialty Coffee Association of America. Since then, coffee enthusiasts have embraced single-origin beans, direct trade relationships, and innovative roasting methods that celebrate the true character of each bean.
In the UK, the story of specialty coffee is equally inspiring. From the early days of historic coffeehouses in Oxford and London to today’s friendly, community-oriented cafés, the evolution of coffee culture reflects a growing desire for quality, sustainability, and a transparent supply chain.
The journey of a specialty coffee bean
The journey of specialty coffee begins in the world’s best coffee-growing regions—often known as the “bean belt”—where ideal altitudes, soil, and climate create perfect conditions for growing coffee cherries. Every decision made along the way shapes the final cup.
Sourcing and farming
Farmers focus on quality rather than quantity by picking only the ripest, healthiest cherries. This selective approach not only ensures a superior bean but also reflects a commitment to ethical sourcing and sustainable practices. By supporting fair trade and environmentally responsible methods, you help nurture the communities that grow your coffee.
Processing methods
After harvesting, the cherries are transformed through various processing methods designed to enhance their natural flavours:
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Washed Processing: The cherries’ pulp and mucilage are removed, leaving behind a clean, crisp flavour.
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Honey Processing: Some of the natural sugars are retained with a bit of the mucilage, creating a balanced, medium-bodied coffee.
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Natural Processing: The cherries are dried whole, which intensifies fruity and vibrant notes.
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Experimental Methods: Techniques such as anaerobic fermentation explore new, unexpected flavour profiles.
Each method is chosen to best highlight the coffee’s origin and character, blending art with science to create a memorable cup.
Cupping, Roasting, and Brewing
Before reaching your cup, our coffee beans undergo a careful evaluation process called cupping. In these sessions, expert tasters assess the beans’ aroma, flavour, and balance—ensuring every batch meets our high standards. Next, the beans are roasted, often with a lighter profile to preserve the unique character of their origin. Finally, whether you enjoy your coffee as an espresso, a pour-over, or using another method, the brewing process is thoughtfully designed to highlight every nuance and bring out the true quality of the coffee.
Specialty Instant Coffee
While specialty coffee is traditionally enjoyed fresh, innovations now allow us to deliver the same high standards in an instant format. At Hedoniq, our instant coffee is crafted without compromise:
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Optimised Extraction: We start with soft, mineral-controlled water and a carefully controlled extraction process to produce a concentrated brew.
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Freeze-Drying: This gentle process removes moisture without harsh heat, preserving the coffee’s delicate aromas and flavours.
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Oxygen Control: By minimising oxygen exposure during processing, we ensure that the natural complexity of the coffee is maintained, free from unwanted off-flavours.
The result is an instant coffee that delivers the vibrant, nuanced flavour you’d expect from a specialty brew—making exceptional coffee accessible anytime, anywhere.
Specialty Coffee Shops and the Local Experience
Choosing specialty coffee is about more than just flavour—it’s about connection and community. Many local cafés are proud to serve specialty coffee, with knowledgeable baristas who share the story behind each cup. They explain where the beans are from, how they were processed, and why each brew is a celebration of quality and care. This community-focused experience reinforces that every cup of coffee you enjoy supports ethical practices and sustainable relationships at every stage of production.
So, Why Choose Specialty Coffee?
Specialty coffee celebrates quality, transparency, and expertise at every step of its journey. Whether you prefer your coffee freshly brewed or in our innovative instant sachets, each cup reflects a commitment to ethical sourcing, sustainable practices, and exceptional flavour.
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- Cupping is a standardised method for evaluating coffee, where experts assess aroma, flavour, acidity, and body.
- Q Grader's are certified coffee tasters who use cupping techniques to evaluate the quality of coffee.
- Freeze-Drying is a gentle drying process that removes moisture by freezing the coffee and then converting the ice directly into vapour, preserving delicate flavours.
