The definition of specialty coffee differs from place to place for several factors, not the least of which are the manner it has been grown, the makeup of the soil, how high up on the hillside, the geographical and geological area, and particularly how the grower takes care of the beans. As a result, specialty coffee differs from country to country, between areas, and even growing qualities of the year. Naturally, the way the coffee roaster tends to his business also has a major impact on how the coffee tastes.

The Major Coffee Varieties

Robusta coffee is a much less expensive coffee variety, and this generally comes from below the 1000 meter (3000 feet) elevation line. It has the reputation of being the lower quality variety. It is generally used to build less expensive coffee blends, and is often used to reduce the cost of a more expensive blend. Straight Robusta coffee tastes somewhat bland, and sometimes demonstrates a slight flavor of rubber. On the other hand, it is used to lighten up an otherwise bland coffee blend.

Arabica coffee is the most desirable type of coffee for the specialty coffee market. These beans are handled specially to provide the optimum flavor and concentration through the complete process chain to coffee production. Arabica coffee is usually grown at locations above 1000 meters (above 3,000 feet). Many people think that this type of coffee provides the best coffee flavor.

Coffee Roasting

The method of roasting the coffee beans has a very important impact on the quality of the final coffee produced. Even the best coffee will taste less than satisfactory if it is roasted incorrectly, or even only differently. Most roasters will volunteer the degree to which the coffee was roasted when they offer someone a particular bean selection. If you decide to roast the coffee yourself, or have it custom roasted for you, it is highly recommended that you follow the roaster’s recommendations – after all, they are the experts, and you can otherwise ruin a batch of otherwise excellent coffee beans.

Coffee Preparation

Even the preparation of the cup of coffee that lands in front of your nose is critical – as a crass example, imagine trying to make espresso in an American drip coffee machine. The blend and any extra ingredients you decide to put into your specialty coffee will make a big difference. Finally, the grind of the coffee will determine for the most part how you will make the beverage. Get it right and you will be very happy.

Conclusion

Specialty coffees present a new world for the newcomer to specialty coffees. There are many decisions that must be made correctly to come up with a good cup of specialty coffee under your nose. If your buy beans from a highly recommended and reliable seller, and if you take the recommendations of a master coffee roaster, and if you use the right grind and the right preparatory equipment, and even the right cup, you will be rewarded with a wonderful specialty coffee.

On the other hand, if you are finally intimidated by all the decisions and risks you have to assume, you may opt for choosing a specialty coffee from your local coffee specialist, or even from the Internet. In either case, we hope you will enjoy your specialty coffee.