Explore specialty grade coffee with French Settlement Roasting Co., a veteran-owned, organic roaster. Learn what makes specialty coffee truly exceptional.

Specialty Grade Coffee: A Complete Guide to Quality and Craftsmanship

When it comes to coffee, not all beans are created equal. Specialty grade coffee represents the pinnacle of quality, a carefully crafted product from bean to cup that provides a superior taste and a richer coffee experience. At French Settlement Roasting Co., a veteran-owned, organic coffee company, we are dedicated to producing small-batch specialty coffee that reflects our commitment to excellence and ethical sourcing. This guide covers everything you need to know about specialty grade coffee, from grading and roasting to brewing tips, so you can fully appreciate the art in each cup.

What is Specialty Grade Coffee?

Specialty grade coffee refers to high-quality beans that score at least 80 points out of 100 on a rigorous grading scale established by the Specialty Coffee Association (SCA). This grading process evaluates beans based on their aroma, flavor, body, and other factors that contribute to an exceptional coffee experience. Unlike standard coffee, specialty coffee goes through an intensive quality control process that ensures only the best beans make it to your cup.

French Settlement Roasting Co. and the Art of Specialty Coffee

At French Settlement Roasting Co., we believe coffee should be more than just a drink—it should be an experience. As a veteran-owned, organic company, we’re committed to quality and sustainability, sourcing only the best beans from small farms that use environmentally friendly practices. Each batch of our coffee is roasted with precision to bring out unique flavor profiles, highlighting the art of small-batch roasting and our dedication to delivering a premium product.

The Specialty Coffee Grading Process: How Beans are Evaluated

What sets specialty grade coffee apart is a strict grading process that guarantees quality and flavor. This process, which is conducted by certified Q Graders, evaluates beans on a scale from 0 to 100 points, with only those scoring 80 or above considered specialty grade. The scoring process considers multiple characteristics, each of which contributes to the overall quality of the coffee:

1. Aroma

The first impression of coffee often comes from its aroma. Specialty beans offer complex and layered scents, from floral and fruity to nutty or spicy, setting the stage for a rich coffee experience.

2. Flavor

Flavor is the core of any coffee bean’s profile. Specialty coffee is celebrated for its diverse flavor notes, which can include hints of berries, citrus, chocolate, or caramel, depending on the bean’s origin.

3. Aftertaste

An enjoyable aftertaste that lingers pleasantly on the palate is a hallmark of specialty coffee. This quality enhances the overall drinking experience, adding depth to each sip.

4. Acidity

In coffee, acidity refers to the brightness or liveliness of the flavor. Specialty grade beans typically have a clean and well-balanced acidity, which is often prized for adding complexity to the taste.

5. Body

The body of the coffee describes its texture or mouthfeel. Specialty coffee usually has a smooth and balanced body that complements its flavor profile, making each cup satisfying and full-bodied.

6. Balance

Balance in coffee means that no single flavor dominates, creating a well-rounded cup. Specialty beans are known for achieving this harmonious blend of flavors, enhancing the enjoyment of each sip.

7. Sweetness

Natural sugars in high-quality beans add sweetness to the coffee, providing a pleasant contrast to the acidity and creating a well-rounded taste.

8. Uniformity and Cleanliness

Each cup of specialty coffee should offer consistent flavor and be free from any undesirable notes, which indicates high-quality processing and careful roasting.

9. Defects

Specialty grade coffee beans are virtually defect-free. This means they lack primary defects like moldy or sour beans and allow only minimal secondary defects, ensuring the best possible taste.

Only beans that excel in these categories and score above 80 points earn the title of specialty grade. High-end specialty coffees, which score between 85 and 90, are known for their distinctive and refined flavors, while beans scoring above 90 are regarded as “exceptional specialty coffee,” representing the highest standard in coffee quality.

The Importance of Sourcing in Specialty Coffee

The journey to specialty grade coffee begins long before the beans are roasted. At French Settlement Roasting Co., we prioritize responsible sourcing by partnering with small-scale farmers who are committed to sustainable practices. By choosing organic farms, we ensure that our coffee is grown without synthetic fertilizers or pesticides, creating a product that is not only healthier but also richer in natural flavor.

The Role of Climate and Location

Specialty coffee farms are often located in high-altitude regions with specific microclimates that bring out desirable bean characteristics. For example, coffee from volcanic soils tends to have a unique depth of flavor, while beans grown in high altitudes are known for their bright acidity. Our partnerships with these farms help bring you beans that carry the signature of their origin, from Ethiopian florals to Colombian brightness.

Ethical and Sustainable Practices

Supporting specialty coffee means supporting ethical sourcing and fair compensation for farmers. French Settlement Roasting Co. values transparency and sustainable practices, providing our customers with a product that is environmentally friendly and socially responsible.

Why Choose Organic, Specialty Grade Coffee?

Opting for organic, specialty coffee provides a cleaner, more flavorful cup without the harmful chemicals found in conventionally grown coffee. Specialty grade coffee is produced in small quantities with careful attention to quality at every stage—from picking ripe coffee cherries by hand to meticulous processing. This process not only preserves the integrity of the beans but also results in a noticeably superior taste and quality in your cup.

French Settlement Roasting Co. and the Small-Batch Difference

Small-batch roasting is at the heart of what makes French Settlement Roasting Co. unique. By roasting our coffee in small quantities, we maintain precise control over each batch, ensuring that every roast highlights the natural flavors of the beans. This approach allows us to offer a fresh, flavorful product with a complexity and richness that mass-produced coffee can’t match.

Crafting Flavor Through Precision Roasting

With small-batch roasting, we can tailor the roasting profile to each batch, accentuating the best qualities of the beans. Our roasters carefully monitor the time and temperature of each roast, bringing out subtle notes and balancing flavors for a coffee that’s rich, smooth, and perfectly roasted.

Brewing Tips for Specialty Grade Coffee

To get the most out of your specialty coffee, follow these brewing tips to unlock the beans’ full potential:

Grind Fresh: Freshly ground beans provide a fuller flavor. Invest in a burr grinder and adjust the grind size according to your brewing method.

Use Filtered Water: Good water quality is essential, as it can make or break the taste of your coffee.

Optimal Brewing Temperature: Brew between 195°F to 205°F for the best extraction. Overly hot water can cause bitterness, while cooler water can lead to under-extraction.

Experiment with Ratios: Start with a 1:16 coffee-to-water ratio and adjust according to your preference.

Why Support a Veteran-Owned Specialty Coffee Company?

Choosing a veteran-owned business like French Settlement Roasting Co. means supporting a company built on values of dedication, discipline, and commitment to quality. Our team applies the same focus and care in crafting our coffee as we did in serving our country, offering a product that reflects both skill and integrity.

Popular Coffee Types at French Settlement Roasting Co.

At French Settlement Roasting Co., we offer a range of specialty grade coffees, each with a distinct flavor profile:

Single-Origin Coffees: These coffees are sourced from individual regions, showcasing the unique flavors of their origin, such as Ethiopian beans with floral notes or Colombian beans with bright acidity.

Small-Batch Blends: Blends are crafted for balance and complexity, perfect for those who enjoy a harmonious and nuanced flavor.

Limited-Edition Roasts: Seasonal offerings that feature rare beans and unique profiles, giving coffee lovers an opportunity to explore the diversity of specialty coffee.

The Future of Specialty Grade Coffee

The specialty coffee movement continues to grow, fueled by consumers who value quality, sustainability, and ethical sourcing. With a focus on premium beans, responsible farming, and precise roasting, the future of specialty grade coffee looks bright. At French Settlement Roasting Co., we’re excited to be part of this journey, bringing high-quality, ethical coffee to customers who appreciate craftsmanship in every cup.

FAQs

What defines specialty grade coffee?
Specialty grade coffee must score 80 points or higher on the SCA’s scale, based on factors like aroma, flavor, and body.

Why is specialty coffee more expensive?
Its cost reflects the intense quality control, sustainable sourcing, and handpicked harvesting that go into producing a superior product.

How do I store specialty coffee?
Store it in an airtight container in a cool, dark place to maintain freshness.

What is the benefit of small-batch roasting?
Small-batch roasting allows for precise control, resulting in better flavor and a more consistent product.

Can specialty coffee be organic?
Yes, many specialty coffees, including ours, are organically grown and free from synthetic chemicals.

Why choose French Settlement Roasting Co.?
Our veteran-owned business offers organic, sustainably sourced, and small-batch roasted specialty coffee, with a commitment to