What is Specialty Coffee?

Defining Specialty Coffee

Specialty coffee is coffee that has been evaluated and scored 80 points or above on a 100-point scale by certified Q Graders (professional coffee tasters). This score is based on criteria including aroma, flavor, aftertaste, acidity, body, balance, uniformity, clean cup, sweetness, and overall impression.

The Quality Pyramid

• Commercial/Commodity Coffee (below 80) — traded on price, often blended for consistency
• Specialty Coffee (80-84.99) — distinct quality, traceable origin
• Exceptional Specialty (85-89.99) — outstanding quality, sought by discerning roasters
• Rare/Competition Grade (90+) — extraordinary lots, often auction coffees

More Than a Score

Specialty coffee is also a philosophy and value chain that encompasses:

• Traceability — knowing the farm, region, variety, and processing method
• Quality at every step — from seed to cup
• Fair compensation — farmers receive prices well above commodity rates
• Freshness — roasted to order, consumed within weeks
• Intentional brewing — proper equipment and technique to honor the coffee

What You Can Taste

The practical difference is clear in the cup:

• Commercial coffee: flat, generic, often bitter or stale
• Specialty coffee: complex, vibrant, with identifiable flavors — fruit, chocolate, floral, spice

Röstschmiede and Specialty Coffee

At Röstschmiede, every coffee we roast meets specialty-grade standards. We believe that quality coffee is not a luxury — it is an accessible pleasure when you know where to look. Our mission is to make specialty coffee approachable, understandable, and enjoyable for everyone, from curious beginners to experienced connoisseurs.