What is Specialty Coffee?

At Small Batch Coffee Roasters, we’ve been sourcing, roasting, and serving specialty coffee since 2006. But what does “specialty coffee” really mean, and why does it matter?

In short, specialty coffee is about quality at every stage of the journey: from farm to cup. It reflects a commitment to traceability, ethical sourcing, skilled roasting, and precise brewing. But the term isn’t just marketing, it has a clear definition within the coffee industry.

Defining Specialty Coffee

Specialty coffee is a term first used in the 1970s, but its meaning has evolved with the industry. Today, the Specialty Coffee Association (SCA) defines it as coffee that scores 80 points or above on a 100-point scale. This score is determined through a process called cupping, where trained professionals evaluate the coffee’s aroma, flavour, acidity, body and aftertaste. 

In simple terms: specialty coffee is free of major defects and offers distinct, high-quality flavour characteristics.

Quality at the Source

It all begins at origin. Specialty coffee is grown in ideal conditions, at higher altitudes, with great care and attention from experienced farmers. The varieties of coffee plants, the soil composition, climate, and harvesting methods all contribute to a coffee’s potential to reach specialty grade.

What sets these producers apart is not only their skill and dedication, but also the transparency and sustainability often found in how their coffee is traded. As roasters, we work directly with importers and producers who share our values, ensuring that everyone in the supply chain is treated fairly and paid above the Fair Trade recommended prices.

Roasting for Flavour

Roasting is where the flavour potential of a specialty coffee is unlocked. At our Brighton roastery, we take a small-batch approach, carefully roasting in quantities that allow for consistency, control, and a deep understanding of each coffee's unique character.

Our aim isn’t to overpower the bean with roast flavour, but to showcase its origin. Whether it’s the bright, floral notes of a washed Ethiopian or the rich sweetness of a natural Brazilian, we tailor our roast profiles to highlight what makes each coffee special.

Brewing with Care

Even the best coffee can fall flat without careful preparation. That’s why we train our baristas and wholesale partners to understand the fundamentals of brewing, from grind size and water quality to extraction time and temperature. Specialty coffee thrives on attention to detail.

But brewing isn’t reserved for professionals. We want everyone to enjoy great coffee at home, which is why we share brewing guides, offer expert advice, and ensure our beans are fresh and easy to work with. Whether you're making a V60 or a flat white, you can enjoy specialty coffee at home.

More Than Just Coffee

At its heart, specialty coffee is about connection. It’s about shortening the distance between the farmer and the drinker, celebrating craftsmanship, and elevating the everyday cup. When you choose specialty coffee, you’re not just buying better beans, you’re supporting a global network of people who care deeply about what they do.

We’re proud to be part of that story. And we’re here to help you explore it; one cup at a time.