What Is Speciality Grade? Isn't Coffee Just Coffee?
What is Specialty Grade Coffee?
Specialty coffee refers to coffee that has been meticulously graded 80 points or higher on a 100-point scale by a certified coffee taster (SCAA) or a licensed Q Grader (CQI). This rigorous grading process ensures that the coffee is of the highest quality, setting it apart from other coffees on the market.
Specialty coffee is exceptional due to the precise conditions under which it is grown. It is cultivated at the perfect altitude, during the ideal time of year, in rich, fertile soil, and harvested at the optimal moment. This attention to detail results in some of the most exciting and flavorful coffees in the world.
At Legendary Aviation Coffee Company, we go a step further. To ensure we offer only the best, all our beans must score above 85 points on the 100-point scale. This commitment to excellence ensures that every cup of coffee we produce is truly special.
See the specialty coffee-grading sheet below
At Legendary Aviation Coffee Company, in order to stand out from our competitors, and to not be "another coffee company" all of our beans MUST score above an 85 in order to be considered for production.
Grading Process:
Green coffee beans undergo a rigorous grading process that includes both visual inspection and cupping.
• Visual Inspection: A 350g sample of green coffee beans is analyzed for defects. Primary defects, such as black or sour beans, must be entirely absent, while secondary defects, like broken beans, must be fewer than five for the coffee to qualify as “specialty.”
• Cupping: This process involves roasting the coffee and brewing it simply with hot water. A skilled taster then evaluates the coffee’s attributes, such as acidity, body, flavor, and aroma, assigning scores that determine the coffee’s quality.
At Legendary Aviation Coffee, we take pride in selecting only the finest specialty-grade beans, which are then expertly roasted to highlight their natural flavors. Our dedication to quality ensures that every cup of coffee you enjoy from us is a reflection of the care and precision that went into its creation.
(Credit to the SCA)
Summary
Specialty coffee is defined as coffee that scores 80 points or above on a 100-point scale. Typically grown at high altitudes with meticulous care, specialty coffee is sold at a premium to traders or directly to roasters who create custom profiles to enhance its natural flavors. Baristas then use this carefully grown and roasted coffee to craft high-quality beverages with precision and specialized equipment.
At Legendary Aviation Coffee Company, we are committed to offering only the best, with all our beans scoring above 85 points to ensure a truly exceptional coffee experience.
