What is Specialty Coffee? Meaning, Types, and Where to Buy

Specialty coffee has gained significant recognition in the global market due to its distinctive qualities and higher standards compared to regular coffee. In this article, we will explore the meaning of specialty coffee, its evaluation criteria, how it differs from regular coffee, types of specialty coffee with a focus on Indonesia’s top varieties, and where to buy it.

What is Specialty Coffee?

Specialty coffee refers to coffee that is graded above 80 points on a 100-point scale by certified coffee tasters (also known as cuppers). This rating system is developed by the Specialty Coffee Association (SCA) to recognize high-quality coffee beans. Specialty coffee is renowned for its distinctive flavors, aroma, and exceptional quality, which distinguishes it from lower-grade, commercial coffee.

The process of creating specialty coffee begins with the selection of high-quality beans, often grown at high altitudes with favorable climates, and ends with precise roasting to highlight the coffee’s best features. Factors such as the cultivation, processing, and roasting methods significantly influence the coffee’s taste profile, ensuring a premium experience for the consumer.

How is Specialty Coffee Evaluated?

Specialty coffee is evaluated based on several key factors, including aroma, flavor, acidity, aftertaste, body, and overall balance. Specialty coffee evaluation process, known as “cupping,” involves tasting the coffee using a systematic method. Each attribute is scored, and the overall score determines whether the coffee qualifies as specialty.

The Specialty Coffee Association (SCA) defines the following criteria for specialty coffee evaluation:

• Aroma: A coffee’s fragrance, which gives the first impression of its flavor potential.
• Flavor: A well-rounded and balanced flavor profile that encompasses all aspects of the coffee.
• Aftertaste: The lingering flavor once the coffee has been consumed, often an indicator of freshness.
• Acidity: The bright, clean, and crisp quality that gives the coffee a refreshing taste.
• Body: The weight or thickness of the coffee’s texture.
• Balance: How well all the flavor components come together.

Each of these attributes is scored by cuppers, and coffee that earns a score of 80 or higher is classified as specialty. Beans with scores above 90 are often considered elite and are priced higher due to their exceptional quality.

What is the Difference Between Specialty Coffee and Regular Coffee?

The primary difference between specialty coffee and regular coffee lies in quality. Regular coffee, often known as commercial coffee, includes beans that are lower in quality and may contain defects. These beans are often sourced from various regions without considering specific origin characteristics, resulting in a standardized taste.

In contrast, specialty coffee is produced with a focus on quality at every stage of the process, from cultivation to roasting. Specialty coffee beans are grown in specific regions known for their ideal growing conditions, and they are harvested carefully to ensure that only the best beans are selected. Additionally, the beans undergo meticulous processing to maintain their unique flavors and characteristics.

While regular coffee is often mass-produced and blended to achieve a uniform flavor, specialty coffee offers a wider range of flavors and profiles, including fruity, floral, chocolatey, or nutty tastes, which can vary depending on the region and processing methods.

Types of Specialty Coffee

Specialty coffee comes in many varieties, and each has a unique flavor profile based on its origin, altitude, climate, and processing methods. Indonesia is home to some of the best specialty coffee beans in the world, with several varieties scoring above 80 points in cupping.

Here are 10 specialty coffees from Indonesia that have received high ratings:

1. Sumatra Mandheling

Sumatra Mandheling coffee is one of the most famous Indonesian coffees. Sumatra Mandheling coffee grown on the island of Sumatra, has a rich, earthy flavor that is often complemented by notes of chocolate, spice, and a touch of sweetness. This coffee is known for its full body and low acidity, making it a favorite for those who enjoy smooth, bold coffee.

Sumatra Mandheling coffee is processed using the wet-hulling method, a traditional technique that involves removing the outer layers of the coffee cherry while the beans are still moist. This method helps create the coffee’s signature earthy and herbal notes.

The coffee is also known for its complex aftertaste, with lingering flavors that can include hints of tobacco, earthy richness, and even a slight nuttiness.

2. Sulawesi Toraja

Sulawesi Toraja is another iconic Indonesian coffee. Sulawesi Toraja is grown in the highland areas of Sulawesi. This coffee is characterized by its balance and complexity.

With a full body and bright acidity, Toraja coffee often presents flavors of dark chocolate, spice, and tropical fruits. The coffee’s distinct flavor profile comes from the specific growing conditions in the Toraja region, where the rich volcanic soil, high altitudes, and cooler temperatures combine to create the perfect environment for cultivating high-quality coffee.

The Toraja coffee is typically processed using the wet method, which helps preserve its clean, vibrant flavors. This coffee often has a deep, lingering aftertaste and is known for its excellent balance between sweetness, acidity, and body.

3. Java Ijen

Java Ijen coffee is produced in the Ijen Plateau in East Java, known for its volcanic soil and ideal climate for coffee cultivation. Java Ijen beans are smooth and well-balanced, with bright acidity and a clean, crisp finish.

It is often regarded as a lighter and more elegant coffee compared to other Indonesian coffees, making it a great choice for those who appreciate a milder cup.

The coffee’s flavor profile includes hints of citrus, floral notes, and a subtle sweetness, with an underlying layer of nuttiness. Java Ijen is grown at high altitudes, where the cooler temperatures help slow the coffee’s growth, allowing the beans to develop more complex flavors.

4. Bali Blue Moon

Bali Blue Moon is grown on the island of Bali, and it is known for its smooth and aromatic qualities. The coffee is medium-bodied, with a mild acidity that makes it easy to drink. Bali Blue Moon coffee has a delicate sweetness, with notes of tropical fruits, chocolate, and a touch of floral aroma.

The beans are typically processed using the wet method, which helps preserve their natural fruity flavors. Bali Blue Moon coffee is often described as having a round, balanced cup with a smooth finish, making it an excellent choice for both espresso and drip coffee.

5. Aceh Gayo

Aceh Gayo coffee is grown in the Gayo Highlands in northern Sumatra, an area known for its rich coffee-growing history. Gayo coffee is highly regarded for its smooth, full body and complex flavor profile. It often features notes of dark chocolate, nuts, and earthy flavors, with a mild acidity and a smooth, clean aftertaste.

Gayo coffee is grown at high altitudes, which contribute to its bright acidity and unique flavor notes. The wet-hulling method is used in processing, which imparts a signature earthy flavor that has become synonymous with Aceh Gayo coffee. This coffee is often favored by those who enjoy a fuller-bodied cup with a complex, nuanced flavor profile.

6. Lampung Coffee

Lampung coffee is grown in the southern part of Sumatra, an area known for its fertile volcanic soil and ideal climate for coffee cultivation. This coffee has a unique flavor profile, with vibrant acidity and a complex combination of fruity, citrus, and floral notes.

Lampung coffee is often described as having a medium to full body with a smooth finish and a slightly spicy aftertaste.

The coffee is processed using the washed method, which helps enhance its bright, clean flavors. Lampung coffee’s distinctiveness lies in its ability to maintain a balanced acidity while offering deep, complex flavors that make it a favorite among coffee connoisseurs.

7. Java Preanger

Java Preanger coffee is grown in the Preanger region of West Java, which is known for its coffee cultivation and has a long history of producing premium beans. The coffee from this region is well-balanced, with a medium body and vibrant acidity. It often has a flavor profile that includes notes of dark chocolate, caramel, and hints of citrus.

Preanger coffee is typically processed using the wet method, allowing the coffee to maintain a clean, bright flavor. It is particularly known for its smooth, well-rounded cup and is often enjoyed as a drip coffee or espresso.

8. Papua New Guinea (Indonesia)

Although Papua New Guinea is an independent country, it shares a close geographical connection with Indonesia and produces some of the most exceptional coffees in the region. The coffee produced in the Papua New Guinea highlands has a fruity flavor profile with hints of red fruits, such as cherries and berries, as well as a subtle floral aroma.

Papua New Guinea coffee is typically processed using the wet method, which helps preserve the bright acidity and clean flavors. The beans are grown in volcanic soil at high altitudes, which contributes to their complex and lively flavor profile. This coffee is often light to medium-bodied, with a smooth finish and a crisp aftertaste.

9. Bali Kintamani

Bali Kintamani is a light to medium roast coffee that is grown in the Kintamani region of Bali. This coffee is known for its bright acidity and refreshing citrusy notes, often accompanied by a mild, sweet flavor profile. Bali Kintamani is often favored for its clean, crisp taste and delicate aroma.

The coffee is typically processed using the washed method, which helps enhance its bright flavors. Bali Kintamani is a great choice for those who enjoy a light, refreshing coffee with a hint of tropical fruit flavors and a smooth finish.

10. Flores Bajawa

Flores Bajawa coffee comes from the island of Flores, located east of Bali. The coffee from this region is full-bodied with earthy, nutty flavors and a smooth, creamy texture. Flores Bajawa coffee often features a mild acidity and a slightly smoky aftertaste, making it a unique coffee that appeals to those who enjoy a more rustic, bold cup.

The beans are grown at high altitudes in volcanic soil, which gives them their rich, full flavor. Flores Bajawa coffee is processed using the wet method, which helps preserve the coffee’s bright flavors while allowing the earthy and nutty notes to shine through.

Where to Buy Specialty Coffee?

If you’re looking to buy premium specialty coffee, several online platforms offer an extensive range of high-quality beans. One notable option is FnB Tech, which provides a curated selection of the best specialty coffee from around the world, including Indonesia.

With a wide selection of single-origin coffee, including those with cupping scores above 80 points, FnB Tech can be your go-to source for premium specialty coffee that brings the best of Indonesian coffee to your cup. Whether you’re seeking a rich Sumatra Mandheling or a bright Java Ijen, you’ll find high-quality beans suited to your preferences.

Conclusion

Specialty coffee stands out in the coffee industry due to its exceptional quality, distinctive flavors, and meticulous production process. It is evaluated based on strict criteria, ensuring that only the best beans make it into the market. The differences between specialty coffee and regular coffee are significant, with specialty coffee offering a richer, more complex taste experience.

The Indonesian coffee market is home to some of the world’s best specialty coffee, with various regions producing beans that score highly in cupping. Specialty coffees from regions like Sumatra, Sulawesi, Bali, and Java are sought after for their unique flavor profiles and high standards of quality.