Speciality coffee refers to coffee that is crafted with extra care and usually by skilled individuals who are passionate about the quality and taste of all things coffee. Not only that, crafting artisan coffee allows you to experiment with flavours and other craft aspects.
Unlike mass-produced coffee, which is often made in large quantities using automated processes, speciality coffee is typically produced in smaller batches and involves more hands-on techniques to perfect the roast. Put simply, Speciality coffee is all about the artistry and attention to detail that goes into every aspect of its production.
1. Characteristics of Speciality Coffee
2. Commercial Coffee vs Speciality Coffee
Commercial coffee is often mass-produced on a larger scale for consistency and accessibility typically using a variety of beans from different locations. The production methods are generally more open to automation and volume rather than crafting uniqueness.
Speciality coffee is crafted in smaller batches with a focus on quality and being unique. It is often crafted from Single Origin beans as they are known for their distinct flavour as opposed to commercial coffee where blends are used to create consistency and affordability. Not all blends are low quality however, worth bearing in mind that you can create some exceptional coffee blends.
You will notice that Speciality coffee comes with a price tag. The price is reflective of the labour intensive production and the premium quality beans. Makes sense right?
Commercial coffee is more budget friendly as the main aim is to roast for affordability and convenience. A caveat to all of this is ultimately it is much cheaper and cost effective to make yourself a decent coffee at home.
3. The Role of Artisans in Coffee Production
Skilled roasters and baristas form the backbone of artisanal coffee, adopting a hands-on approach through every stage of production. From bean selection to brewing, artisan roasters carry a standard of excellence unparalleled to mass-produced coffee.4. Speciality Coffee Varieties
In the world of artisan coffee, there are two main types of beans: Arabica and Robusta.
Arabica beans are known for their smooth flavour, while Robusta beans have a bold taste and typically more caffeine. When choosing a speciality coffee, you can pick single-origin beans from one specific place, like Ethiopia or Colombia, which highlight their unique flavours or you can opt for blends, where beans from different regions are mixed to create a balanced taste.
5. Speciality Coffee Brewing Methods
Espresso: This method involves forcing hot water through finely-ground coffee beans, resulting in a rich, concentrated brew known for its bold flavour and creamy texture. You should get a good crema from a well pulled espresso
Pour-over: In this method, hot water is manually poured over coffee grounds in a filter, allowing for precise control over brewing variables and producing a clean, nuanced cup of coffee.
French press: With a French press, coffee grounds are steeped in hot water before being pressed through a mesh filter, yielding a full-bodied brew with a robust flavour profile.
Aero Press: Using air pressure to push hot water through coffee grounds, the Aero Press produces a smooth, low-acidity cup of coffee in a short amount of time. Great for on the go coffee!
Cold brew: Cold brew involves steeping coarsely-ground coffee beans in cold water for an extended period, resulting in a smooth, mellow brew with a subtle sweetness.
For each brewing method, you will develop unique characteristics that ultimately will affect the taste of your coffee. For example, espresso tends to highlight the bold, intense flavours of the beans, while pour-over methods accentuate the coffee's natural flavours and aromas.
French press brewing often results in a full-bodied cup with a rich mouthfeel, while cold brew brings out the coffee's natural sweetness and smoothness. You may even like a mixture of all methods depending on your mood. There is no singular way to make great coffee!
6. Tips for brewing speciality coffee at home
- Always start with fresh, high-quality coffee beans and grind them just before brewing for maximum flavour.
- Use the correct water-to-coffee ratio for your chosen brewing method to ensure proper extraction.
- Pay attention to water temperature, aiming for around 195-205°F (90-96°C) for most brewing methods.
- Practice patience in your brewing technique, adjusting variables such as grind size, brewing time, and water distribution to achieve your desired flavour profile.
7. Supporting the Speciality Coffee Movement
Supporting the Speciality Coffee Movement is slowly becoming a vital part of community engagement. By supporting local speciality roasters, cafés and restaurants can rest assured that they are promoting ethical practices with a focus on the health of the economy. Consumers should research origins and certifications for individual informed choices. Engaging with the coffee community through events and local cafés drives connections and creativity within your local area.
8. Conclusion
It's clear to see that speciality coffee represents a dedication to quality, sustainability, and unique flavours. Supporting local roasters and cafés not only enhances the community engagement aspect but also ensures ethical practices throughout the supply chain.
For the connoisseur inside of you, keep testing and developing your own style of brew. There are possibly flavours and textures that you never thought possible. However you want to start, just make sure you enjoy the process!