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What is Specialty Coffee? Everything You Need to Know!

Specialty coffee (also known as “specialty-grade coffee”) is a term used to describe the highest quality coffee available, distinguished by its exceptional quality, flavor, and ethical sourcing practices.It is coffee of outstanding quality, grown in specific regions, cultivated sustainably, and carefully processed. Unlike commercial coffee, specialty coffee is all about flavor, origin, and craftsmanship.

What Makes Coffee “Specialty”?

Specialty coffee Specialty coffee must score at least 80 points out of 100, assessed by certified coffee tasters (Q Graders). This score is based on:

  • Aroma and flavor
  • Acidity and body
  • Absence of defects

Flavor: Specialty coffee often has complex and diverse flavor profiles – with notes of fruit, chocolate, florals, and more – unlike commercial or regular coffee, which tends to taste flat or bitter.

Origin and Transparency

Every specialty coffee can be traced back to a specific farm, region, cooperative, or micro-lot, and usually comes with information about the producer, altitude, processing method, and variety. Producers are often paid fairly and work under sustainable conditions.

Well-known origins include:

  • Ethiopia
  • Colombia
  • Brazil
  • Kenya
  • Guatemala

Processing & Roasting

Processing methods (such as washed, natural, or honey) are chosen to enhance the unique flavors of the bean.

Specialty coffee is often roasted light to medium to highlight its distinctive flavor profiles, such as:

  • Floral notes (e.g., jasmine, lavender)
  • Fruity accents (e.g., blueberry, citrus)
  • Chocolate or nutty flavors

Each roast is tailored to the bean and the brewing method (filter, espresso, etc.).

Brewing Methods

To get the best out of specialty coffee, manual brewing methods are often used, such as:

  • V60 pour-over
  • Aeropress
  • Chemex
  • French Press
  • Espresso

These methods provide greater control over flavor and extract.

Sustainability and Ethics

Specialty coffee is known for its focus on:

  • Direct trade (buying directly from farmers)
  • Environmentally friendly cultivation
  • Transparency throughout the supply chain

Why Choose The Last Bean Specialty Coffee?

The Last Bean Specialty Coffee is for those who want to go beyond an ordinary cup of coffee. It offers a unique taste experience, supports sustainable farming, and values the people behind the bean. We promote direct trade wherever possible and ensure fair compensation for local farmers. The Last Bean Specialty Coffee is the combination of high quality, ethical sourcing, and exceptional flavors.

The Last Bean