Let’s talk about specialty coffee! It’s a buzzword in the industry, but what does it mean? In simple terms, coffee is graded after harvesting and processing. If it scores 80 or higher, it’s classified as specialty coffee.
Think of it like barley—some is used for animal feed, while the highest-quality grains go into malting for top-tier beers. The same principle applies to coffee—only the best beans make the cut!
The Real Magic Behind Specialty Coffee
The true magic of specialty coffee begins with the farmers. A few years ago, Euan attended a presentation by Pergamino, a renowned Costa Rican farm. Speaking to some of the biggest roasters in the country, they said:
"All you need to do as a roaster is not mess it up and burn the coffee."
Our job as roasters is to bring out the incredible flavours already present in the beans. While roasting is an art, the real credit belongs to the farmers who cultivate these exceptional coffees.
How We Source the Best Coffee
With thousands of coffee options available, selecting the right beans takes expertise. That’s why we work with trusted importers who source only the highest-quality coffee. By sourcing from different regions worldwide, we ensure we always have the freshest beans available.
We categorise our coffee into five main flavour profiles:
Chocolatey & Nutty
No, there’s no actual chocolate in the coffee! But these beans naturally have rich, nutty, and chocolate-like flavours—smooth and satisfying.
Sweet Fruits
Think strawberries, raspberries, and other juicy berries—these coffees offer a mellow, fruit-forward experience.
Natural
These beans are processed using the natural (or dry) method, which enhances their wild, complex flavours—often described as ‘funky’ and full of character.
Bright Fruits
Expect lively citrus notes like lemon and orange. These coffees are bold, vibrant, and not for the faint-hearted!
Decaf
The world of decaf is evolving rapidly, and we’re thrilled to be expanding our selection with high-quality, flavourful options.
The Specialty Coffee Journey Continues
This is just a glimpse into what makes specialty coffee so exciting. From growing and processing to roasting and brewing, there’s always more to discover. So, whether you're just starting your specialty coffee journey or looking to deepen your knowledge, one thing’s for sure—every cup tells a story.