Why Speciality Coffee Is Worth It

Speciality Guatemalan coffee beans and brewed coffee with Chemex, VeliK Coffee cup, and ethically sourced hand-roasted 89+ SCA score card.

Why Speciality Coffee Is Worth It

What Makes Speciality Coffee Worth Buying

1. Superior in both quality and flavour

Because the beans are grown at higher altitudes and carefully processed, you’ll taste cleaner, more defined notes in the cup. For example, an Ethiopian natural might lean berry-sweet and floral, while a Brazilian pulped-natural is often chocolatey and nutty — worlds apart from generic “strong coffee”.

2. Ethically and sustainably sourced

Unlike mass-produced coffee, speciality coffee is often ethically and sustainably sourced, which is an important consideration for many consumers today. By choosing this kind of coffee, you’re not only treating yourself to a more refined and enjoyable cup, but also supporting small-scale farmers and encouraging environmentally friendly farming practices.

3. Hand-picked, meticulously sorted, and processed with great care

Speciality coffee is carefully harvested by hand, with farmers selecting only ripe cherries to avoid defects. After picking, the beans are sorted to remove quakers and impurities, ensuring consistency and clean flavour. In the roastery, small-batch roasting profiles highlight sweetness and aroma — lighter roasts suit pour-over and AeroPress, while slightly darker profiles bring balance and depth for espresso without tasting burnt.

4. A diverse selection of beans from around the world

In addition to the quality of the beans, the experience of buying and brewing speciality coffee can be uniquely rewarding. Many speciality coffee shops offer a diverse selection of beans from around the world, giving you the opportunity to explore exciting new flavours. Brewing methods such as pour-over, Chemex, and French press are often used to bring out the best in the coffee, enhancing your appreciation of its nuances.

Ultimately, if you genuinely enjoy coffee, investing in speciality coffee is a simple yet powerful way to transform your daily cup into a more enjoyable and satisfying ritual.

If you enjoy great flavour and care where your coffee comes from, stepping up to quality beans is a simple way to improve every cup.
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Q1: What actually defines “speciality” coffee?

A: Coffees graded 80+ on the SCA scale by certified tasters qualify as speciality. They’re grown in ideal conditions, processed with care and roasted to highlight flavour rather than mask defects.

Q2: Why does speciality coffee cost more than regular coffee?

A: The price reflects the care behind it — from hand-picking only ripe cherries to careful processing, fairer pay for farmers, and small-batch roasting. This extra attention results in higher quality, traceable beans with a richer flavour experience.

Q3: Is it more sustainable?

A: Often, yes. Many producers follow shade-grown practices, manage water responsibly and receive premiums that support long-term environmental and community projects. Learn more at the Specialty Coffee Association

Q4: How should I brew it at home for best results?

A: Use fresh beans, grind just before brewing, and match grind size to method: fine for espresso, medium for pour-over, coarse for French press. Start with a 1:16 coffee-to-water ratio and adjust to taste.

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