Specialty Coffee Beans

Specialty coffee beans are for you if you want to taste where your coffee comes from, and why it tastes the way it does. These are beans that typically score 80+ points on the SCA (Specialty Coffee Association) scale and are selected for their quality, cleanliness and distinct tasting notes. In short: more character in the cup and a better coffee experience than supermarket coffee.

What are specialty coffee beans?

Specialty coffee beans are high-quality coffee where growing, harvesting and processing are done properly all the way through. That means fewer defects in the green beans, more transparency about origin and a cup with clear, distinct notes, for example fruity, floral, nutty or chocolatey nuances. Specialty coffee typically scores 80 points or more on a 100-point scale by certified cuppers, while regular supermarket coffee scores below that. When the green beans are good to begin with, the roast can bring out what the bean naturally has, instead of hiding flaws with a dark, uniform roast. At Piccolo we roast most of our beans light to medium, precisely because we work with specialty quality, where acidity, sweetness and fruit are worth keeping, not hiding.

How do you choose specialty coffee beans?

Start with flavour profile and origin. Do you prefer fresh, fruity coffee, or something more classic with chocolate and nuts? Then look at the processing. Washed usually gives more clarity and acidity, while natural gives more sweetness and body. Also check the roast level against your brew method. Light roasts work best for filter, V60 and AeroPress, where you want clarity. Slightly darker roasts suit espresso and milk drinks, where you want a round, full cup. My best tip is to start small. Buy 250 g, or try two or three different coffees at a time, instead of committing to 1 kg straight away. You will quickly find your go-to coffee. If you want to shop by origin, see our coffees from Kenya, Ethiopia, Colombia and Brazil.

Why invest in specialty coffee beans?

Yes, specialty coffee beans can cost a little more, but you are paying for quality, craftsmanship and a noticeably better cup. The flavour is often more complex and balanced, and you typically end up enjoying the coffee as it is, because it tastes great without lots of milk and sugar. It is a small everyday upgrade you can really taste.