What is Specialty Coffee?
Specialty coffee refers to high-quality coffee that scores 80 or above on a 100-point scale by the Specialty Coffee Association (SCA). These beans are carefully cultivated, harvested, and processed to maintain their top-tier quality.
Key Characteristics of Specialty Coffee:
- Scored 80+ by professional coffee graders
- Grown in ideal climates and conditions
- Free from major defects
- Handled with care from farm to cup
- Typically sold by independent roasters or specialty shops
Specialty coffee is all about quality. From the farm to your cup, every step is carefully managed to ensure the best possible flavor.
What is Third Wave Coffee?
Third Wave Coffee is a movement and philosophy that treats coffee like an artisanal product rather than just a commodity. It emphasizes transparency, ethical sourcing, and unique brewing methods.
Defining Features of Third Wave Coffee:
- Focus on direct trade and farmer relationships
- Emphasis on single-origin beans
- Specialty roasting techniques to highlight flavors
- Brewing methods that enhance complexity (pour-over, siphon, AeroPress)
- A culture that values education and coffee appreciation
Essentially, Third Wave Coffee is an approach to coffee culture, whereas Specialty Coffee is a classification based on quality.
The Key Differences: Specialty vs. Third Wave Coffee
| Feature | Specialty Coffee | Third Wave Coffee |
|---|---|---|
| Definition | Coffee that scores 80+ on the SCA scale | A movement that treats coffee as an artisanal product |
| Quality Focus | High-quality beans with no defects | Emphasis on sourcing, roasting, and brewing |
| Sourcing | Typically direct from farmers | Always focused on transparency and sustainability |
| Brewing | Traditional and modern methods | Innovative and experimental techniques |
| Consumer Experience | Premium coffee for coffee lovers | A full sensory and educational experience |
Why Do These Differences Matter?
For coffee lovers, understanding these concepts helps make more informed choices. If you’re looking for the highest quality beans, specialty coffee is your go-to. If you’re more interested in the story behind the coffee, ethical sourcing, and craft brewing, Third Wave Coffee culture is where you’ll find it.
Many Third Wave coffee shops only use Specialty Coffee, but not all Specialty Coffee is part of the Third Wave movement.
More Than Just a Cup of Coffee
Whether you prefer the technical grading of specialty coffee or the craft movement of Third Wave Coffee, both represent a shift towards better, more sustainable, and higher-quality coffee. The next time you order a pour-over or espresso, you’ll know exactly what’s behind your cup.