Beyond the Espresso: Discovering the World of Specialty Coffee

Beyond the Espresso: Discovering the World of Specialty Coffee

Wouldn't it be great to be able to experience different flavors of coffee around the world? You can now with specialty coffee. It has grown to become an art - a craft - used to bring out intricate flavors for coffee-lovers everywhere. In this article, we're going to uncover what exactly specialty coffee is and why it's become so popular.

What is Specialty Coffee?

Put simply, specialty coffee is the highest grade of coffee. It has been carefully evaluated and selected to contain no major defects or off-flavors. It has a distinctive flavor profile that is bright, complex and has minimal acidity.

Furthermore, specialty coffee is often sustainably sourced and ethically traded between coffee farmers and roasters. This helps to foster a positive relationship between them and ultimately allows everyone to enjoy high-quality coffee.

What Makes Specialty Coffee Different?

So what makes specialty coffee unique? Well, most coffee companies use espresso-based drinks because they are convenient and easy to make in a busy environment. However, when properly brewed, specialty coffee beans can bring out far more intricate and enjoyable flavors that espresso-based drinks simply can't deliver.

Here are some examples of some of the flavors specialty coffee can bring out:

• • Fruity - Many specialty coffees have a fruity or citrus notes. These flavors can vary based on the coffee bean itself, but can be especially enjoyable to coffee-lovers.

• • Earthy - Other specialty coffees have a deeper, earthier flavor, sometimes with notes of nuts or caramel. These beans often come from regions with a higher altitude and richer geological composition.

• • Chocolatey - Last but certainly not least, some specialty coffee beans can have a pleasant chocolatey taste, which can be a great alternative to dessert.

Where to Begin Your Journey?

Trying new coffee is a great way to explore different flavors. Specialty Coffees offer a unique experience that you simply can't get with regular coffee. But if you're unsure where to start your journey, don't worry - here are a few tips:

• • Ask your local barista for recommendations, as they probably have great insight on different beans and roast styles.

• • Find out where your favorite coffee beans are from, this way you can try other coffee from similar regions or farms.

• • Go to a coffee shop that specializes in specialty coffees, like Blue Bottle or Intelligentsia.

Conclusion

Specialty coffee has become more and more popular in recent years, and with good reason. With its unique flavor profiles, sustainable sourcing and ethical trading, it is the perfect way to experience coffee from around the world. Now that you know a little bit about specialty coffee, why not try some for yourself?