In recent years, coffee culture has experienced a significant transformation. No longer just a morning pick-me-up, coffee has become a craft, an art, and a lifestyle. Central to this shift is specialty coffee, a term that has captivated coffee enthusiasts and professionals alike. But what exactly makes specialty coffee so… special? As the owner of Allies, a coffee roasting company in Auckland, New Zealand, I’d like to delve into the characteristics, processes, and dedication behind this unique sector of the coffee industry.
Defining Specialty Coffee
At its core, specialty coffee refers to high-quality coffee beans that have been carefully grown, harvested, processed, and brewed to highlight the finest flavors of the coffee. The term was coined in the 1970s by Erna Knutsen, a pioneer in the coffee industry, to describe coffee beans that were grown in ideal microclimates and had a distinctive, high-quality flavor. Coffee is also graded on a scale by the Specialty Coffee Association (SCA), with coffees scoring 80 points or higher (on a 100-point scale) earning the “specialty” distinction.
However, the real magic of specialty coffee goes beyond just the score. It’s a holistic approach that emphasizes the entire process — from the cultivation of the beans to the final sip in your cup.
The Journey of Specialty Coffee: From Seed to Cup
The journey of specialty coffee begins with the farmers, who grow their coffee in specific regions and at higher altitudes, often in tropical environments. The altitude and climate are critical for the development of the coffee’s flavor profile. In fact, most specialty coffee beans are grown in what’s known as the "coffee belt," a zone near the equator that includes countries like Ethiopia, Colombia, Brazil, and Guatemala.
Each region imparts its own unique characteristics to the coffee, much like how terroir (fancy word for ‘natural environment’) affects the taste of wine. For example:
- Ethiopian coffees often have floral and fruity notes, especially if processed naturally.
- Colombian coffees are prized for their balanced acidity and sweetness.
- Kenyan coffees are known for their vibrant acidity and berry-like flavors.
At Allies, we work with farmers who are deeply connected to their land and passionate about the coffee they grow. They ensure sustainable farming practices, often employing organic and environmentally friendly methods to maintain the quality of their beans and preserve the ecosystem.
Once the coffee cherries are ready to be harvested, they are typically handpicked, ensuring that only the ripest cherries are selected. This level of precision is what sets specialty coffee apart from commodity-grade coffee, which is often machine-harvested, resulting in an uneven selection of cherries.
The next step is processing, which involves removing the coffee beans from the cherry. There are several methods used in specialty coffee production:
- Washed (or wet) process: The coffee cherries are pulped, and the beans are fermented to remove the mucilage before being dried. This method often results in a cleaner and brighter flavor.
- Natural (or dry) process: The cherries are dried with the fruit still attached to the bean, imparting fruity, sweet flavors.
- Honey process: A hybrid method where part of the fruit is left on the bean during drying, creating a balance between sweetness and acidity.
Each of these processes can dramatically affect the flavor profile of the coffee, and specialty coffee producers carefully choose the method that will enhance the bean’s inherent qualities.
Expert Roasting
Once the coffee beans have been processed, they are sent to skilled roasters (like us… *cheeky wink*) who transform the raw beans into the final product that we brew. Roasting is an art form, requiring precision, experience, and an understanding of how different beans respond to heat.
In specialty coffee, roasting is not about achieving a uniform “dark” roast. Instead, it’s about unlocking the unique flavor characteristics of each batch of beans. Some beans might shine with a light roast, highlighting delicate floral or citrus notes, like the new Ethiopian coffee that just went up on our website. While others might benefit from a medium roast to bring out more balanced and caramelized flavors.
At Allies, our roasting process is a careful balance of science and craftsmanship. We work to ensure that each batch brings out the best in the beans while staying true to their origin and unique profile.
Perfect Brewing
Even the most expertly roasted beans can falter without proper brewing. Specialty coffee places great emphasis on brewing methods that honor the integrity of the beans. Whether through manual methods like the pour-over, Chemex, or Aeropress, or by using an espresso machine, brewing plays a crucial role in bringing out the intricate flavors of the coffee.
Unlike mass-market coffee, which often prioritizes convenience over quality, specialty coffee celebrates brewing as an integral part of the experience. Every variable, from water temperature to grind size, is controlled to extract the perfect balance of flavors.
The People Behind Specialty Coffee
While the technical aspects of specialty coffee are essential, what truly makes it special is the people behind it. The specialty coffee community is built on relationships — between farmers, roasters, baristas, and consumers. It’s a network of individuals who are passionate about coffee and committed to quality at every stage of the journey.
The Farmers
Specialty coffee farmers are often smallholders who are dedicated to producing exceptional coffee. They are intimately involved in every step of the process, from planting to harvesting, and often employ sustainable practices to protect their land and ensure the long-term viability of their farms.
The Roasters
Roasters play a pivotal role in bringing out the best in the beans. They work to understand the unique qualities of each lot of coffee and craft roast profiles that highlight those characteristics.
In the specialty coffee industry, roasters often collaborate with other professionals in the coffee chain, sharing knowledge and techniques to push the boundaries of what coffee can be.
The Baristas
The final stage in the specialty coffee journey is in the hands of the baristas, who are responsible for ensuring that the coffee is brewed to perfection and served with care. Baristas in the specialty coffee industry are highly trained professionals who understand the science of brewing and are passionate about providing an exceptional coffee experience.
They serve as the bridge between the producer and the consumer, educating customers about the story behind their cup of coffee and helping them appreciate the flavors and craftsmanship involved.
Why Specialty Coffee Matters
And finally, In a world where convenience and speed often take precedence, specialty coffee stands out for its emphasis on quality, sustainability, and relationships. By choosing specialty coffee, consumers are not just getting a better cup of coffee — they are supporting an entire ecosystem of people who are committed to doing things the right way.
For Allies, this commitment to quality and sustainability is at the heart of everything we do. From working directly with farmers to carefully roasting our beans and providing our customers with a thoughtful and memorable coffee experience, we are proud to be part of the specialty coffee movement.
So next time you enjoy a cup of Allies coffee, take a moment to appreciate the journey it has taken — from the mountains where it was grown to the hands of the farmer, roaster, and barista. At Allies, we’re honored to be part of that journey, and we’re excited to share it with you.