If you’ve ever taken a sip of coffee and thought, “Wow, this tastes different”—you’ve likely stumbled into the world of specialty coffee. It’s not just a buzzword thrown around by hip cafés and coffee snobs; it’s a term with real meaning, backed by quality, care, and craftsmanship. But what exactly is specialty coffee, and why does it taste so much better than your average brew?

Let’s break it down.

What Is Specialty Coffee?

Specialty coffee refers to the highest grade of coffee available, evaluated and scored by professional coffee tasters (called Q graders). According to the Specialty Coffee Association (SCA), a coffee must score 80 points or above on a 100-point scale to earn the specialty title.

But beyond the numbers, it’s a coffee that’s nurtured from seed to cup with exceptional attention to detail at every stage:

• Grown in ideal microclimates

• Handpicked at peak ripeness

• Carefully processed, roasted, and brewed to bring out its unique flavor profile

Why Does It Taste Better?

1. It Starts at the Farm

Specialty coffee is often grown at high altitudes, in rich volcanic soil, and under optimal shade. These natural conditions allow the coffee cherry to ripen slowly, developing complex flavors you just can’t fake.

2. Selective Harvesting

Unlike mass-produced beans that are stripped all at once, specialty coffee cherries are handpicked—only the ripest cherries make the cut. This results in fewer defects and more consistency in flavor.

3. Careful Processing

Whether it’s washed, honey-processed, or naturally dried, specialty coffee undergoes meticulous post-harvest methods to preserve and highlight the bean’s inherent characteristics.

4. Small-Batch Roasting

Roasters treat specialty beans like fine wine—roasting in small batches and fine-tuning profiles to enhance notes like citrus, berry, chocolate, or floral. It’s more art than science.

5. Brewed With Intention

Finally, brewing methods like pour-over, Chemex, or AeroPress ensure that the subtle nuances of specialty coffee shine through—clean, aromatic, and complex.

It’s About Experience, Not Just Caffeine

Drinking specialty coffee isn’t just about getting your caffeine fix—it’s about savoring the story, appreciating the craftsmanship, and truly tasting the origin in every cup. It might be fruity, bright, syrupy, or even tea-like—and that’s the magic.

At BHB, We Live for Specialty

Every bag of coffee at BHB is curated with one goal: to deliver that unforgettable cup. We source from ethical farms, roast with care, and guide you on the best brewing practices—so every sip is a celebration of quality.

So next time someone asks why your coffee tastes so good, you’ll know: it’s specialty—and it shows.