What Is Considered Specialty Coffee? A Complete Guide for Coffee Lovers

If you’ve ever wondered why some coffee tastes like a rich, velvety experience while others just feel like a bitter jolt, you're not alone. The difference often lies in one word: specialty.

Specialty coffee isn't just a marketing buzzword—it represents a higher standard of quality from farm to cup. But what exactly does it mean? How do you know if you're drinking it? And does your favorite chain coffee qualify?

Let’s dive in.

What Defines Specialty Coffee?

Specialty coffee is defined by exceptional quality at every stage of production; from the way it’s grown and processed to how it’s roasted and brewed.

According to the Specialty Coffee Association (SCA), for a coffee to earn the “specialty” label, it must:

• Score 80 points or above on a 100-point quality scale during a professional tasting (called a cupping)
• Be free from primary defects (like moldy or sour beans)
• Be traceable to a specific origin, farm, or lot
• Be roasted with precision to enhance its natural flavor profile
• Be brewed intentionally to extract those complex notes

In short: Specialty coffee is the best of the best, carefully curated from seed to sip.

How Do I Know My Coffee Is Specialty Coffee?

You can spot a specialty coffee by looking for a few key things:

1. Roast Date
   Freshness is everything. Specialty coffee is usually roasted in small batches and labeled with a roast date (not just an expiration date). If you don’t see one, that’s a red flag.
2. Origin Transparency
   Specialty roasters proudly share where their beans come from—down to the region, farm, or even the name of the farmer. The more specific, the better.
3. Tasting Notes
   You'll often see flavor descriptors like “citrus,” “chocolate,” or “floral” on specialty bags. These notes reflect real tasting profiles—not artificial flavorings.
4. Packaging Quality
   Specialty coffee often comes in bags with one-way valves to preserve freshness, along with resealable closures. No dusty tins or flimsy bags here.
5. Roaster Reputation
   If you’re buying from a small-batch roaster (like Eerie Coffee Company), you’re likely getting specialty-grade coffee. If you’re buying from a gas station… probably not.

What Is the Difference Between Regular Coffee and Specialty Coffee?

The difference is night and day. Here’s a quick breakdown:

In essence, specialty coffee is crafted, while regular coffee is often manufactured.

What Are the Rules for Specialty Coffee?

Specialty coffee follows strict standards set by the Specialty Coffee Association and Q graders (certified professionals who evaluate coffee quality).

Here are some of the basic rules:

• Green coffee must be graded and scored, with minimal defects.
• Cupping score must be 80+ out of 100.
• Coffee should be free from mold, foreign matter, and off-flavors.
• The supply chain (farmers, importers, roasters) must prioritize quality and ethics.
• Sustainable and fair labor practices are strongly emphasized.

These standards ensure that every cup of specialty coffee is not only delicious, but also responsibly sourced.

Is Starbucks Coffee Considered Specialty Coffee?

This is a hot topic. Technically, Starbucks uses Arabica beans, which are a step above the lower-grade Robusta beans used in some commercial blends. However, that alone doesn’t make it specialty.

Here’s why:

• Starbucks coffee is mass-produced, which limits traceability.
• The beans are often dark roasted, masking their origin characteristics.
• There's little transparency on sourcing details, roast dates, or farm-level practices.

So while Starbucks may offer a higher-quality commercial product, it generally does not meet the criteria for true specialty coffee.

What Are the Basics of Specialty Coffee?

If you’re just getting started, here are the fundamentals of specialty coffee:

1. Buy whole beans – always fresh, always high quality
2. Grind before brewing – with a burr grinder for consistency
3. Use filtered water – coffee is 98% water, so quality matters
4. Mind the ratio – aim for about 1:16 coffee-to-water
5. Pick your method – pour-over, French press, AeroPress, or espresso
6. Experiment and taste – specialty coffee is all about flavor exploration

Start simple, stay curious, and enjoy the journey of discovering what coffee can truly be.

Final Thoughts

Specialty coffee isn’t just about taste—it’s a movement. It’s about ethical sourcing, sustainability, transparency, and honoring the people who grow the beans. When you choose specialty coffee, you’re supporting a global community committed to quality and fairness.

At Eerie Coffee Company, we believe every cup should be an experience—one that’s crafted with care, character, and just a little bit of magic.

☕️ Ready to taste the difference?
Browse our specialty roasts here and elevate your daily brew.