Beginners Series: What is specialty coffee?
Want to learn more about specialty coffee? Our co-founder Zoulka explains what you need to know if you're new to the world of specialty coffee and tells you a little about how he started his journey into the world of coffee.
Specialty coffee has grown significantly in popularity in recent years. However, for many who have only known conventional filter coffee from the supermarket, entering this world can seem overwhelming. This blog post is designed to help you, as a newbie like me a few months ago, take your first steps into the fascinating world of specialty coffee and show you how to get the best out of your coffee. To make it easier for you to gain an insight into the world of coffee, I would like to briefly share my personal experiences.
Specialty coffee differs from conventional coffee due to its high quality and the special care that goes into every stage of its production process. From bean selection to roasting and preparation, everything is done with the utmost precision and dedication. Specialty coffee is often rated using a points system, with only coffees that score over 80 out of 100 points being considered “specialty coffee”.
From bean to cup
Bean selection
The origin of the beans plays a decisive role in specialty coffee. Different growing regions produce different flavor profiles. For example, coffees from Ethiopia are often known for their floral and fruity notes, while coffees from Brazil tend to taste more chocolaty and nutty. It's worth trying different countries of origin to find your personal favorite.
Roasting
Roasting has a significant influence on the taste of the coffee. Lighter roasts retain more of the bean's original aromas and are often fruitier and more complex, while darker roasts are more intense and bitter. Medium roasts, which offer a good balance between these extremes, are recommended for beginners who are still hesitant to veer too much away from conventional coffee flavors.
Grind
The grind of the coffee should be matched to the preparation method. A fine grind is required for espresso, while a medium grind is ideal for filter coffee and a coarse grind for French press. Freshly ground coffee always tastes better as it retains more aromas. Invest in a good coffee grinder - it's worth it!
Preparation methods
There are numerous ways to prepare specialty coffee. Here are some of the most popular methods:
Pour Over: This method, popularized by devices such as the Hario V60, allows precise control over the brewing process. It is ideal for lighter roasts as it brings out the subtle flavors of the coffee.
French Press: Simple and effective - the French press is particularly suitable for coarsely ground coffee and produces a full-bodied, strong coffee.
Aeropress: The Aeropress is a versatile and portable method that allows you to experiment with different brewing times and techniques to find the perfect taste.
Espresso machine: For fans of espresso and latte coffee drinks such as cappuccino or latte macchiato, an espresso machine is indispensable. The fine grind and the quality of the water are crucial here.
Tips for the perfect coffee
- Water quality: Always use fresh, filtered water, as poor water quality can significantly impair the taste.
- Temperature: The water should have a temperature of around 92-96°C to extract the best flavors.
My start in specialty coffee
Entering the world of specialty coffees can be an exciting journey. By paying attention to the origin, roasting, preparation method and other factors, you will soon learn to appreciate the subtle differences and benefits of this specialty coffee art.
Good coffee does not always mean expensive coffee. Through intensive research, discussions with coffee producers and the search for high-quality coffee, I have discovered that price is not necessarily the deciding factor. When making coffee, you should focus on the quality of the coffee beans and not on an expensive coffee machine. For a while, I always attached importance to the coffee machine and bought my coffee beans from supermarkets. However, I wasn't happy with the result of my drink. It was a long journey for me to find the coffee beans that I liked.
By chance, I came into contact with specialty coffee through friends. Suddenly everything changed. I started researching more about it. I was very intrigued by the taste of my first specialty coffee. The process plays a crucial role in the quality of the coffee. So as a coffee lover, the next time you buy coffee, you should not necessarily look at the price, but at the production and the history.
As you progress, try out different types of coffee and preparation methods and let yourself be surprised by the variety and depth of flavors. There is a lot to learn and enjoy in the specialty coffee world, and it has also improved my daily coffee. By buying specialty coffee, you not only experience the wonderful taste, but also support the hard work of the producers at the same time. This is a sign of appreciation for the producers, which speaks for the continuity of their work.
Have fun discovering and enjoy!