The world boasts a wide diversity of coffee beans used to produce vastly different tastes, textures and aromas in your morning cup of java. From floral, fruity Ethiopian to nutty, chocolaty Colombian, the permutations of coffee flavors, are endless.
This guide focuses on demystifying and showcasing famous specialty coffee beans that discerning coffee lovers relish across major growing regions globally.
We’ll cover beans like the aromatic Yirgacheffe from Ethiopian highlands, the balanced Costa Rican Tarrazu, the exotic Indonesian Mandheling as well as rarer Hawaiian Kona and Jamaican Blue Mountain.
You’ll learn exactly how singular conditions like altitude, rainfall, soil nutrition and processing methods in each region shape distinctive characteristics and flavor profiles that specialty coffee retailers and baristas highlight.
Understanding the stories behind coveted coffee appellations and beans will deepen your appreciation of specialty coffee’s diversity. Let’s get started on a sensory exploration of coffee’s complex world by looking at what classifies beans as “specialty
So let’s get started on a sensory journey into the complex world of specialty coffee!
Key Takeaways:
- Specialty coffee is made from the highest quality coffee beans and involves optimized processing and brewing methods.
- Arabica beans make up most specialty coffee due to their sweeter, more complex flavor profile compared to the more bitter, harsher Robusta.
- Many factors affect the flavor including origin, variety, processing method, roast level, grind size, and brewing technique.
- Sourcing sustainable, ethically produced coffee is increasingly important for specialty coffee quality and the livelihoods of coffee farmers.
- With the right beans and technique, you can craft exceptional specialty coffee at home.
Section 1: Understanding Specialty Coffee
Coffee is one of the most popular beverages in the world, with many different varieties and preparation methods. Within the broad category of coffee, there is a specific segment known as “specialty coffee.”
Specialty coffee refers to coffee that is made from higher quality bean varieties, sourced from specific farms, and prepared with care to optimize flavor. Standards for specialty coffee focus on attributes like flavor, aroma, mouthfeel, and lack of defects in the beans. The goal is to produce an exemplary cup of coffee.
Specialty coffee is defined by the Specialty Coffee Association (SCA) as Coffee that achieves an elite score of 80 percent or above when assessed on a 100-point quality scale, having no defects and a distinctive flavor profile with aromatic, sweet, floral, fruity notes and balanced, clean acidity.
What sets specialty coffee apart from commercial coffee is the extra care and attention involved at every stage – starting from growing particular coffee varieties on the best suited land, more thorough processing, roasting in smaller batches, and brewing optimally to extract the innate flavors of the beans.
The two most important coffee species used in specialty coffee are Arabica and Robusta which we’ll compare in detail later. First, let’s look at criteria that make specialty coffee so unique in taste.
What Makes Specialty Coffee Special:
- Grown at high altitude on fertile soil with ample shade
- Hand-picked when optimally ripe
- Processed by methods preserving flavor nuances
- Roasted in small batches to bring out tastes
- Fresh, high-quality, single origin beans
- No defects, proper sizing and density
- Distinct, balanced flavor profile with layered notes
- Prepared properly to extract best flavors
Achieving this level of quality requires a lot of meticulous effort by farmers, processors and roasters – which gets reflected in the relatively higher cost of specialty coffee. For discerning coffee lovers, that premium price brings an elevated coffee experience.
Now that we know what defines specialty coffee and why the extra effort matters, let’s look closely at the two pivotal coffee bean varieties – Arabica and Robusta.
Arabica vs. Robusta – The Staples of Specialty Coffee
Arabica and Robusta are by far the predominant coffee species, making up 60% and 40% of global coffee production respectively. But they have very distinct flavor profiles, quality levels and growth conditions. This section will clarify their key differences and why Arabica reigns supreme in specialty coffee.
Arabica Beans
- More complex, sweeter flavor
- Grows at high altitudes
- Lower yield, more susceptible to pests
- Higher quality standards
- Dominates specialty coffee (>90%)
Robusta Beans
- Harsher, more bitter taste
- Grows at lower altitudes
- Higher crop yield
- More resistant to diseases
- Primarily used for instant coffee
Difference between Arabica and Robusta coffee
Here’s a straightforward comparison between Arabica and Robusta coffee for a clear understanding:
Arabica coffee is known for its sweet, smooth taste and aromatic qualities. Robusta, on the other hand, has a stronger, more bitter flavor and higher caffeine content. Arabica beans are oval-shaped, and Robusta beans are rounder. Arabica is generally considered higher quality, while Robusta is more resistant to pests and harsh conditions.
Why Does Arabica Dominate Specialty Coffee?
Arabica’s more desirable flavor profile with sweet, fruity overtones, refined acidity and silky mouthfeel makes it far more suitable for premium quality coffee enjoyed black without milk or sugar.
Robusta has nearly double the caffeine of Arabica but its harsh bitterness and rubber-like overtones limit its use in specialty coffee. It is, however, occasionally blended in small quantities to strengthen the crema in espresso. Robusta’s hardiness makes it the choice for mass commercial coffee, especially instant coffee.
Sensory Differences Between Arabica and Robusta
| Sensory Attribute | Arabica | Robusta |
|---|---|---|
| Aroma | Complex, nuanced, floral | Harsh, rubbery, peanutty |
| Flavor | Sweet, fruity, chocolaty | Bitter, earthy, burnt tire |
| Acidity | Refined, bright, citrusy | Sharp, sour, harsh |
| Body | Silky, delicate | Robust, thick |
| Caffeine | ~1% | 1.7-4% |
Given Arabica’s superior sensory profile, it’s easy to see why it constitutes the majority of specialty coffee. But not all Arabica tastes the same – the region it’s grown in significantly impacts flavors. Up next we look at famous Arabica coffee beans from various parts of the world.
Famous Arabica Coffee Bean Varieties
The three most coveted specialty Arabica coffee beans globally are:
- Ethiopian Yirgacheffe
- Colombian Coffee
- Jamaican Blue Mountain
Here’s an overview of what makes these coffee beans so prized.
Ethiopian Yirgacheffe
Grown in southern Ethiopia, Yirgacheffe beans have an exotic flavor profile with intense floral, fruity notes balanced by clean acidity.
Characteristics:
- Complex citrus, bergamot, jasmine aromas
- Distinct tea-like flavor, lemon and peach tones
- Vibrant acidity, juicy mouthfeel
- Light, silky body
Yirgacheffe owes its unique flavours to indigenous heirloom varieties, high altitude, plentiful rainfall and careful processing by skilled farmers.
Colombian Coffee
Famed for its well-balanced, classic flavor profile, Colombian coffee comes from the fertile Colombian Andes mountains.
Characteristics:
- Sweet, vibrant acidity
- Milk chocolate and caramel flavors
- Citrusy, apple-like aromas
- Smooth, delicate body
Colombia’s equatorial climate, volcanic soil rich in minerals, hand-picking of perfectly ripened cherries and meticulous processing generate these mellifluous flavors.
Jamaican Blue Mountain
Some of the most sought-after and expensive coffee in the world, Jamaican Blue Mountain derives its signature mild, nutty character from the cool misty Blue Mountains.
Characteristics:
- Subtle, complex flavor
- Nutty, spice hints
- No bitterness
- Silky, delicate body
The cloud cover, drainage-rich soil and slow growth at high attitudes create an exceptionally balanced and nuanced flavor profile.
These are among the most famous specialty coffee beans that coffee connoisseurs and roasters actively seek out for their exceptional cup quality tied intrinsically to ideal growing conditions of their exotic locales.
The unique conditions where these beans are grown imbue them with distinct yet equally delectable flavors and aromas – giving coffee aficionados ample reason to sample and savor beans from each region.
Additional Famous Varieties
While Arabica coffee from renowned regions like Colombia, Ethiopia and Jamaica covered earlier are highly prized, some other famous specialty coffee beans include:
Hawaiian Kona – Grown on fertile volcanic soil of Hawaii’s Kona coast, this rare specialty coffee features a delicate, smooth flavor with low acidity, spice and nutty cocoa tones in the complex aroma and silky body.
Sumatran Mandheling – From the lush volcanic islands of Indonesia, this premium coffee bean is known for its deep, earthy aroma and rich, brooding flavor with herbal and cocoa hints. It has very low acidity and thick, syrupy texture.
Costa Rican Tarrazu – Produced in the fertile Tarrazu mountains of Costa Rica, these SHG beans yield coffee with bright, clean flavors showcasing notes of dark chocolate, nuts and red fruits in perfectly balanced flavors and acidity.
Guatemalan Antigua– Grown on the slopes surrounding the volcanoes of Antigua, Guatemala, this coffee features a medium-bodied, balanced flavor profile with pronounced sweetness, a vibrant citric acidity and elegant floral aroma.
Ethiopian Harrar – From southern Ethiopian highlands, these wild heirloom beans produce an exotic coffee with intense fruit and red wine tones in the flavor, rich aroma and dry, winey finish.
Next let’s look beyond ubiquitous Arabica and explore the potential of premium specialty coffee made from Robusta beans.
Exploring Specialty Robusta Varieties
The average coffee drinker may not know Robusta is used to produce exceptionally flavorful high-end coffee too in niche regions. Connoisseurs speak reverently of Indonesian specialty Robusta grown on the fertile volcanic islands of Sumatra, Java, Sulawesi and Flores which has deliciously complex flavors.
Indonesian Specialty Robusta Characteristics:
- Deep, earthy aroma
- Dark chocolate, spice and tobacco flavors
- Low acidity, rich mouthfeel
- Gains sweetness in darker roasts
The unique advantage of quality Robusta is the full body and creamy texture it lends to espresso-based drinks without compromising too much on complexity. Some specialty coffee bars intentionally blend specialty-grade Robusta to enhance espresso crema and produce a smooth, velvety cappuccino.
So while Arabica still rules the roost for black specialty coffee, Robusta has its place for producing specialty espresso-based milk drinks.
That covers the two workhorse coffee species which make up the majority of specialty coffee. But the astute coffee connoisseur is always on the hunt for other exotic, rare coffee varieties..
For more detailed information on robusta beans, check our article on “Strength in a Cup: Uncovering the Depth of Robusta Coffee”
Other Exotic and Rare Coffee Varieties
While Arabica and Robusta account for most coffee consumption, many rare coffee varietals with exceptional cup qualities are also highly coveted by aficionados. These exotic coffees command extremely high prices for their uniqueness and dwindling supply. Let’s look at the two most expensive and unusual specialty coffees.
Kopi Luwak
Kopi Luwak is produced from partially digested coffee cherries that are defecated by the Asian palm civet cat-like creature called a luwak. Enzymatic fermentation in the luwak’s digestive tract is thought to mellow the coffee’s harsher notes.
Characteristics:
- Ultra-smooth, rounded flavor
- Dark chocolate and caramel sweetness
- Low bitterness with balanced acidity
- Heavy, syrupy body
With demand outpacing supply, genuine luwak coffee is extremely rare. Sadly wildlife civet farms have cropped up in Southeast Asia to meet demand which raise ethical concerns over animal treatment.
Hawaiian Kona Coffee
The premium coffee from Hawaii’s largest island – Hawaiian Kona coffee grows on the fertile volcanic slopes of the Kona district blessed with sunny mornings and afternoon cloud cover.
Characteristics:
- Mellow, delicate flavor
- Low acidity, hints of spice
- Chocolate and nutty nuances
- Light, juicy body
Authentic Hawaiian Kona with its smooth flavor and aroma commands exceptionally high prices for the limited production. Cheaper imitations abound so ensure genuine single-estate origin when buying.
That concludes a quick tour of the world’s most prized exotic coffee beans – back now to more familiar specialty coffee territory!
The Journey from Seed to Cup
To truly appreciate that cup of specialty coffee, it’s important to understand the journey those beans have been on – starting from the seed sown on a remote farm thousands of miles away to the roasted beans that fill your kitchen with an irrescent aroma.
The Specialty Coffee Value Chain:
- Cultivation > Harvesting > Processing > Exporting > Roasting > Brewing > Enjoying!
Let’s look briefly at each stage and how it impacts the flavor of your morning brew.
Cultivation
Everything starts with the coffee plant itself. The variety grown, altitude, climate, soil conditions and agricultural practices all influence cup quality. Specialty coffee demands the perfect balance for enhanced flavors.
Harvesting The most flavorful beans come from fully ripened cherries hand-picked individually by trained pickers. Machine harvesting can bruise cherries and deactivate flavor precursors.
Processing
After harvest, the intact cherries need to be quickly processed to extract the precious beans which get dried, graded and exported. Common processing methods used are:
- Washed: Fruits skins removed, beans fermented to develop flavor then washed and dried with parchment layer intact. Most common across Latin America.
- Natural: Whole cherries dried with fruity pulp adhered then stored with parchment layer on. Used often for drier African coffees resulting in fruitier, sweeter flavor.
- Honey: The mucilage layer is mechanically scrubbed off before drying to varying degrees. This hybrid process creates signature honeysuckle aromatic flavors.
Roasting & Grinding
This critical step unlocks the complex flavors locked within the green beans. Expert roasters use specialized equipment to precisely develop aromas and taste compounds to desired roast level without overheating. Finally, the perfectly roasted beans are ground to specifications to extract optimally during brewing.
Brewing & Enjoying! The finished product! Selecting appropriate grind size and brewing method suited to the bean type ultimately determines how balanced, intense and satisfying that specialty coffee tastes. Sip slowly and savor all the subtle tastes and aromas along with the satisfaction of completing an incredible seed-to-cup journey spanning continents!
Now that you see all the elements that culminate in that delicious morning cup, let’s look at important sustainability considerations along the arduous trail from remote farms to coffee shops around the world.
Sustainable Coffee – Protecting Future Generations
With coffee’s global dominance as a commodity, it’s critical the complex supply chain integrates sustainable practices to protect coffee farmers and the environment for generations.
Let’s look briefly at key sustainability aspects in specialty coffee.
Why Does Sustainability Matter?
Coffee is largely grown by smallholder farmers in vulnerable tropical regions. Climate change, low profits and exploitative practices threaten livelihoods and coffee’s future unless more sustainable measures are widely adopted.
As large specialty coffee consumers and retailers like Starbucks push for greener, ethical coffee, huge progress has been made. But there is more still more to do.
What Makes Coffee Sustainable?
- Environmentally-friendly cultivation in biodiverse shade-grown farms
- Economically-empowering fair-trade practices
- Socially-responsible labor conditions
- Crop diversification and community development programs
Key Sustainability Certifications
- Organic
- Rainforest Alliance
- Fairtrade
- Smithsonian Bird-Friendly
- UTZ Certified
- Direct Trade
So when choosing your specialty coffee, check labels for sustainability certifications to enjoy your cup even more knowing it aligns with your values while protecting coffee communities far away.
Now that you know what factors make specialty coffee so unique and nuanced, let’s get practical – where and how do you find high quality fresh coffee beans to get the best flavor?
Sourcing Specialty Coffee – Selection, Storage & Brewing
With knowledge of what defines specialty coffee under your belt, let’s get practical on how to source excellent beans and prepare them optimally.
Where to Buy Specialty Coffee Beans
Quality coffee roasters sell fresh roasted bean varieties sourced directly from farms they partner with using sustainable practices. They are passionate about coffee and can recommend beans matching your preferences.
Well-known specialty coffee companies like Blue Bottle, Counter Culture, Intelligentsia or local award-winning roasters are great places to buy beans. Many roasters also sell online.
When buying beans:
- Select specialty-grade 100% Arabica beans
- Check roast date – consume within 4 weeks of roasting
- Buy moderate 12 oz amounts to finish quickly
- Choose whole beans and grind just before brewing
Storing Beans Correctly
To prevent flavor loss from oxidation, store beans:
- In opaque, airtight container
- Away from light, heat, or moisture
- At cool room temperature
- Purge container of oxygen (best flavor)
Using Optimal Grind Size & Brewing Method
The grind size and brewing method must align with the coffee variety and flavor profile preferred. Generally:
- Fine grind suits espresso, coarse grind for French Press
- Dark roasts extracted well in espresso, medium roasts for pour over
- Fruity lighter roasts for cold brew, nutty roasts for French press
Getting these elements right unlocks coffee’s complex flavors and aromas crafting an intensely satisfying sensory experience – the hallmark of specialty coffee excellence!
Conclusion
We’ve covered a tremendous amount of grounds on the expansive world of specialty coffee varieties, production methods and brewing techniques – no pun intended!
You now know about the journeys of unique coffee beans that culminate into every sip of great specialty coffee. I hope reading this guide provides deeper insight to enhance your coffee exploration and brewing experiments.
Understanding specialty coffee’s nuances and bringing out beans’ inherent sensory qualities through skillful preparation is both an art and science rewarding you with a multisensory symphony in a cup.
As coffee passion continues rising globally, may your adventures in specialty coffee bean discovery bring you countless memorable moments of bliss with each aromatic sip that resonates intensely across your being!
