What is specialty coffee? a clear, simple explanation

Stack Mahbub
2026-03-01T08:26:10-05:00

“Specialty coffee” is a term you see everywhere — but it’s rarely explained clearly.

At its core, specialty coffee refers to high-quality coffee that is carefully grown, processed, roasted, and brewed with intention.

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“Specialty coffee” is a term you see everywhere — but it’s rarely explained clearly.

At its core, specialty coffee refers to high-quality coffee that is carefully grown, processed, roasted, and brewed with intention.

It’s less about luxury and more about craftsmanship.

The Origin of Specialty Coffee

The term “specialty coffee” originally described coffees that scored 80 points or higher on a standardized quality scale used by professional tasters.

But beyond scores, specialty coffee represents a philosophy:

Respect for origin

Attention to detail

Transparency throughout the supply chain

What Makes Coffee “Specialty”?

1. Quality at the Farm Level

Specialty coffee starts with:

Healthy plants

Proper harvesting

Ripe cherry selection

Quality cannot be added later — it must be grown.

2. Intentional Processing

How the coffee is processed after harvest plays a major role in flavor.

Specialty producers focus on:

Clean fermentation

Controlled drying

Consistency and care

Processing is where flavor is shaped, not disguised.

3. Thoughtful Roasting

Specialty roasters roast to highlight the coffee, not mask it.

That means:

Avoiding excessive darkness

Preserving sweetness and balance

Letting origin characteristics shine

Roasting is about interpretation, not domination.

4. Freshness and Transparency

Specialty coffee is typically:

Roasted in smaller batches

Sold fresh

Labeled with origin, process, and roast intent

Transparency helps drinkers understand what they’re buying — and why it tastes the way it does.

Why People Choose Specialty Coffee

People are drawn to specialty coffee because it offers:

More flavor clarity

A connection to place

A sense of intention

A better understanding of what’s in their cup

It’s about slowing down, even briefly.

How Roy Coffee Approaches Specialty Coffee

At Roy Coffee, specialty coffee means:

Sourcing coffees with clear identity

Working with transparent supply partners

Roasting to preserve balance and character

Communicating honestly about what you’re drinking

We see coffee as a reflection of place, process, and perspective.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is specialty coffee more expensive?
Often, yes — because it prioritizes quality and transparency over scale.

Does specialty coffee taste better?
Taste is subjective, but specialty coffee offers more clarity and nuance.

Is specialty coffee always light roast?
No — specialty coffee spans a range of roast styles.