Café de spécialité transparence et éthique

What is specialty coffee?

published on September 18, 2024 — by Marc-Alexandre Emond-Boisjoly — 15 mins of reading —

The world of coffee is undergoing a revolution, and at the heart of this transformation is specialty coffee. At 94 Celcius, a passionate roaster, we're proud to be part of this movement that puts the spotlight on coffee quality, traceability and authenticity. But what exactly is specialty coffee, and why is it so special? Let's explore what sets these exceptional beans apart.

Specialty coffee: a definition based on excellence

The term "specialty coffee" was first introduced in 1974 by Erna Knutsen, and applies to coffees distinguished by their unique characteristics and superior quality. This type of coffee is not only the fruit of exceptional terroir, but also the result of meticulous work at every stage of the production chain, from farm to cup.

According to the standards set by the Specialty Coffee Association (SCA), a specialty coffee is one that scores at least 80 points out of 100 in a rigorous assessment. This evaluation, known as "cupping, is carried out by certified experts known as Q-Graders, who judge green beans and roasted coffee on criteria such as aroma, flavor, acidity and body.

Elias et Shady Bayters - coffee cherry cerise de café

Exemplary traceability

One of the most remarkable aspects of specialty coffee is its traceability. Unlike industrial coffee, each batch of specialty coffee can be traced back to the farm or cooperative where it was grown. At 94 CelciusWe work closely with producers who share our commitment to quality and sustainability. Knowing the precise origin of each coffee guarantees not only consistent quality, but also recognition of the work of the producers.

The Specialty Coffee Roasting Process

Roasting plays a fundamental role in expressing the aromas of specialty coffee. Unlike industrial roasting, which often favours rapid, intense roasting to even out flavours, artisanal roasting reveals the complexity of the coffee beans.

At 94 Celcius, each batch of coffee is roasted with care and precision, taking into account the specific characteristics of each origin. Our aim is to sublimate the beans' natural aromas while preserving their freshness. Light to medium roasting is preferred for specialty coffees, as it preserves the subtle nuances and unique aromatic notes of each coffee.

The Flavors and Aromas of Specialty Coffee

One of the most fascinating features of specialty coffee is its aromatic diversity. While conventional coffees often present uniform flavors, specialty coffee reveals a complex range of aromas, from floral and fruity to chocolatey and spicy. Each cup is a sensory exploration in which each geographical origin, processing method and roasting reveals specific flavors.

Here are some typical flavor profiles that can be found in specialty coffee:

Fruity and floral : Often associated with African coffees, such as those from Ethiopia, which can reveal notes of red fruit or citrus.
Spicy and chocolaty Typical of Latin American coffees, with hints of cocoa, caramel and sweet spices.
Lively and tangy Coffee with a lighter, more acidic profile, perfect for those looking for a refreshing, complex cup.

At 94 Celcius, we select coffees with varied profiles, inviting you to discover unique flavors that express the character of each terroir.

Flawless coffee

To be classified as specialty coffee, a batch must meet strict requirements. For example, when green beans are assessed, they must not show any of the following no major defects (such as black or broken beans) and a maximum of five minor defects on a 350 gram sample. This attention to detail guarantees a coffee of unrivalled purity and quality.

Le café de spécialité est un travail d'équipe

Why choose specialty coffee from 94 Celcius?

At 94 Celciuswe firmly believe that specialty coffee goes beyond the simple tasting. It's about respect for producers, a commitment to sustainable practices and a passion for the art of roasting. Each coffee we select is carefully chosen for its exceptional quality and its positive impact on local communities.

As a coffee roastersWe are committed to roasting our beans to reveal their full potential, ensuring that every cup tells the story of a coffee grown with care and expertise.

Conclusion

Visit specialty coffee is not simply a premium or gourmet coffee. It's a coffee that meets strict quality standards at every stage, from farm to cup. At 94 CelciusWe're proud to contribute to this movement by promoting coffees that not only provide a unique taste experience, but also support sustainable, fair-trade production.

If you're curious to discover what a specialty coffee can really offer, visit us at and taste our carefully roasted selections. Together, let's celebrate quality coffee, one cup at a time.

Tags: Café de spécialité Découverte Troisième Vague

Older Post Back to The Coffee Notebook Newer Post