Specialty Coffee
Discover the sumptuous world of Specialty Coffee in our exclusive selection. Elevate your morning ritual with handcrafted beans, ground to perfection, and savor the unparalleled quality of small producers. From coffee of exquisite origins to sustainable organic options, we offer a palette of aromas and flavors that captivate the palate of the most discerning connoisseur. It's not just coffee, it 's a luxury experience in every cup.
1. What is specialty coffee and how is it different from other types of coffee?
Specialty coffee is like the gourmet version of coffee. Imagine that regular coffee is like a burger from a fast food joint, while specialty coffee would be like a burger prepared by a chef with high-quality ingredients. They are both burgers, but the experience of eating them is completely different.
What makes coffee "specialty"?
- Bean Origin : Specialty coffee beans are usually grown in specific regions and under very careful conditions. This results in unique flavors and aromas.
- Bean quality : Before being roasted, the beans go through a rigorous selection process to ensure they are of the best possible quality.
- Roasting: In specialty coffee, the roasting process is adjusted to bring out the specific flavors and aromas of each bean.
- Preparation: Specialty coffee is typically prepared using techniques and equipment that allow the best possible flavor to be extracted from the bean. This includes methods such as the French press, AeroPress, or high-quality espresso machines.
Differences with other types of coffee
- Flavor and aroma : Specialty coffee has a wider and richer range of flavors and aromas compared to conventional coffee.
- Quality over quantity: Regular coffee is often produced in large quantities and the main focus is cost. With specialty coffee, however, the focus is on the quality of the bean and the taste.
- Price : Due to the high quality and careful brewing process, specialty coffee is often more expensive than conventional coffee.
- Knowledge : Those who make specialty coffee often have a great deal of knowledge about beans, roasting methods, and brewing techniques. In regular coffee, this level of detail is not as common.
- Transparency : With specialty coffee, you will often know exactly where the coffee came from, how it was grown, and who grew it. This information is rarely available in conventional coffee.
Specialty coffee beans or ground coffee?
When we talk about specialty coffee, we always suggest buying it in beans and grinding it just before preparing it. Why? Simple: freshness. Freshly ground coffee preserves its essential oils much better, those responsible for those flavor and aroma notes that we love so much. When coffee is ground, these oils begin to evaporate, so ground coffee loses quality more quickly than coffee in beans.
You will need a good grinder at home though. There are options to suit all budgets, from manual grinders to high-end electric models.
2. What are the different types of coffee beans used in specialty coffee and their flavor profiles?
Arabica
This is the most popular type of bean for specialty coffee. It has a milder flavor, with more floral, fruity or acidic notes. It usually has less caffeine than other types of coffee.
- Taste : Smooth, bright acidity, fruity or floral notes.
- Common regions : Colombia, Ethiopia, Brazil.
Robust
Although less common in specialty coffee, Robusta is valued for its stronger flavor and higher caffeine content.
- Flavor : Strong, earthy, less acidity.
- Common regions: Vietnam, parts of Africa.
Geisha
This is a type of Arabica coffee bean that has won many awards for its unique flavor profile.
- Flavor : Very aromatic, with notes of bergamot, floral and sometimes tropical.
- Common regions: Panama, Colombia.
SL28 & SL34
These are specific varieties grown mainly in Africa, especially in Kenya. They are highly valued in specialty coffee.
- Taste : Bright acidity, notes of fruits such as tomato and blackberry.
- Common regions : Kenya.
Bourbon
Another variety of Arabica, known for its sweet taste and balanced acidity.
- Flavor : Sweet, balanced acidity, notes of cocoa or nuts.
- Common regions: Latin America.
Typica
This is one of the oldest Arabica varieties and is grown in various regions.
- Flavor : Smooth, with good body and acidity, fruity notes.
- Common regions : Latin America, parts of Africa.
Pacamara
It is a cross between the Pacas and Maragogipe varieties, and is grown mainly in Latin America.
- Flavor : Complex, with fruity notes and often a touch of spice.
- Common regions: El Salvador, Nicaragua.
Each of these types of beans can have very different flavor profiles depending on where they are grown, how they are processed, and how they are prepared. But in general, these are some of the beans you might encounter in the specialty coffee world.
Decaffeinated specialty coffee?
Do you love the taste of coffee, but prefer to avoid caffeine? Decaffeinated specialty coffee is for you. Through decaffeination methods that respect the integrity of the bean, it is possible to obtain high-quality decaffeinated coffees, which retain many of the flavor and aroma notes characteristic of the coffee of origin.
It should be noted, however, that the decaffeination process, although greatly improved in recent years, can influence the organoleptic characteristics of the coffee. Still, for lovers of good coffee looking for a caffeine-free option, decaffeinated specialty coffee is an excellent choice.
3. Do you want to know how to choose, store and grind fresh coffee beans at home?
How to choose fresh coffee beans
- Origin : Look for beans that specify their country and region of origin. This usually indicates higher quality and unique flavor.
- Roast Date : It is critical that the bag has a clearly marked roast date. Beans are at their best between a week and a month after roasting.
- Roast Type : There are different levels of roasting: light, medium and dark. Light roasting brings out the bean's own characteristics, while dark roasting has stronger, less acidic flavors.
- Fair Trade and Organic: Although not mandatory, looking for fair trade and organic seals can be an indicator of quality and sustainability.
How to store grains
- Airtight Container : Use an airtight container to protect the beans from moisture and air.
- Cool, Dark Place : Store the container in a cool, dark place, but not in the refrigerator, as this may cause condensation.
- Buy in Small Quantities : Buy only the amount you will use within a few weeks to ensure the beans are always fresh.
How to grind grains
- Burr Grinder: Use a burr grinder instead of a blade grinder for a more uniform grind.
- Grind Size : The grind size should match your brewing method. For example, for espresso you need a fine grind, but for a French press, a coarse grind.
- Grind at the Moment: Grind only the amount of coffee you are going to use immediately to maintain all its flavor and aroma.
What are the best machines for making specialty coffee?
Choosing the perfect coffee machine largely depends on your personal preferences, your budget, and the amount of time and effort you are willing to put into making your coffee.
For espresso enthusiasts, a semi-automatic or automatic espresso machine might be the best choice. These machines allow you to control many aspects of the espresso-making process, but they also require a bit of a learning curve.
If you prefer infusion methods, there are a multitude of options available, from the classic Chemex and French press, to the V60 and Aeropress. These methods are simpler and cheaper, and can produce exceptional results with a little practice.
Regardless of which method you choose, remember that the most important element for a quality cup of specialty coffee is the coffee itself. So invest in good beans, and you're guaranteed to notice the difference.
4. Detailed instructions on how to prepare specialty coffee using methods such as French press, Aeropress and pour-over
French Press
Materials needed:
- French Press
- Specialty coffee (whole bean)
- Grinder
- Hot water (approximately 93-96°C)
- Spoon
- Stopwatch or clock
Instructions :
3. Add water : Pour hot water into the press, filling it halfway.
4. Stir: Use a spoon to stir the coffee and water mixture.
5. Add more water: Fill the press with hot water to the top.
6. Resting time: Place the lid on the press and wait 4 minutes.
7. Press: Slowly press the lever of the French press down.
8. Serve: Pour the coffee into your favorite mug and enjoy.
Aeropress and filters
Materials needed:
- Specialty coffee (whole bean)
- Grinder
- Hot water (approximately 93-96°C)
- Stopwatch or clock
Instructions :
1. Grind the coffee : Grind the coffee to a texture similar to table sugar.
2. Assemble Aeropress : Place a filter into the filter holder and rinse with hot water.
3. Add coffee: Place the ground coffee into the Aeropress chamber.
4. Add water: Pour hot water up to the level marked on the Aeropress.
5. Stir: Mix the coffee and water with a spoon.
6. Rest time : Wait 1 minute.
7. Press : Place the Aeropress over your mug and press down steadily.
8. Serve : Add more hot water or milk according to your preference and enjoy.
Pour-Over
Materials needed:
- Pour-over coffee maker (such as Hario V60 or Chemex)
- Specialty coffee (whole bean)
- Grinder
- Hot water (approximately 93-96°C)
- Jug for pouring water
- Stopwatch or clock
Instructions :
1. Grind the coffee: Grind the coffee to a texture similar to table sugar or a little coarser.
2. Prepare the filter : Place the paper filter in the pour-over coffee maker and rinse it with hot water.
3. Add coffee : Put the ground coffee into the filter.
4. Pre-infusion : Pour some hot water over the coffee to soak it completely and let it sit for 30 seconds.
5. Pouring: Begin pouring hot water in circular motions, starting from the center and moving outward.
6. Steep Time : Total brewing time should be around 2 to 3 minutes for a Hario V60 and up to 4 minutes for a Chemex.
7. Serve: Once all the water has dripped away, remove the filter and serve the coffee.
5. Step-by-step guide on how to taste coffee
Necessary Materials
- Freshly ground specialty coffee
- Hot water (around 93-96 degrees Celsius or 200-205 degrees Fahrenheit)
- A special tasting spoon or a soup spoon
- A scale
- A cup or container for preparing coffee
- Paper and pencil to take notes
Steps
1. Preparation
- Coffee Grind : Weigh out approximately 12-15 grams of freshly ground coffee, depending on how strong you like it.
- Water : Make sure the water is at the correct temperature.
- Infusion : Add the ground coffee to the cup or container and pour the hot water over it. Let the coffee sit for 4 minutes.
2. Observation
- Breaking the Layer : Using the spoon, break up the top layer of ground coffee that has formed on the surface. Bring your nose close to it to smell the aromas released.
- Visual Observation : Look at the coffee. Are there any oils on the surface? What is the color of the liquid?
3. Tasting
- First Sip: Take a small sip of coffee. Try to do it in such a way that the coffee spreads throughout your mouth.
4. Acidity
- Assessing Acidity : Acidity does not refer to a sour taste, but rather a bright, sparkling, or crisp quality. A coffee with good acidity will be more "lively."
5. Body
- Evaluate the Body : Pay attention to how the coffee feels in your mouth. Is it light like water or does it have a more “buttery” or creamy feel?
6. Aftertaste
- Evaluate the Aftertaste : Swallow the coffee and notice the flavors and sensations that linger in your mouth. Are they pleasant? How do they change over time?
7. Scoring and Notes
- Take Notes : Use a pen and paper to jot down your observations. This will help you remember the characteristics you liked or disliked about that particular coffee.
8. Comparison
- Compare: If you have more than one type of coffee, repeat the process and compare your notes.
Frequently asked questions about specialty coffee
Is specialty coffee stronger? Not necessarily. The strength of coffee has more to do with how it is prepared than with the type of bean.
Is it more expensive? Generally yes, as the quality, care and attention to detail required for specialty coffee is usually reflected in its price.
Where to buy specialty coffee? You've come to the right place! In our online gourmet products store you can find a carefully selected range of specialty coffees.
