If you have ever seen the words specialty Arabica or high scoring beans on a bag of coffee, you might have wondered what they mean and whether they make a difference to your cup. The short answer is yes. If you care about flavour, aroma and quality, it is worth knowing why.
Arabica vs Other Coffee Beans
Coffee mainly comes from two species, Arabica and Robusta. Robusta is higher in caffeine and often used in instant coffee or cheaper blends with a stronger, more bitter taste. Arabica is grown at higher altitudes in cooler climates and is known for its smoothness, natural sweetness and more complex flavour notes. It is harder to grow and harvest which makes it more valuable.
What Makes Coffee “Specialty”
Specialty coffee is an official classification from the Specialty Coffee Association (SCA). To earn this label, coffee must:
- Score 80 points or higher on the SCA 100 point scale
- Have no defects
- Offer distinct, desirable flavour notes
- Be traceable to its origin to ensure ethical sourcing
Coffee is tested through a process called cupping where expert tasters assess aroma, flavour, acidity, body, balance and sweetness.
What High Scoring Means
- 80 to 84.99 points: Very good, clean and enjoyable
- 85 to 89.99 points: Excellent with complex and balanced flavours
- 90 plus points: Outstanding and rare with unique taste profiles
High scoring coffee has been grown, processed, roasted and tested to bring out its very best qualities.
Why It Matters to You
When you buy high scoring specialty Arabica you get:
- Richer and more interesting flavour notes you can actually taste
- Fresher beans roasted in smaller batches
- Coffee from farmers paid fairly for their work
- Consistency in quality from bag to bag
The Bottom Line
Choosing high scoring specialty Arabica is not just buying coffee, it is investing in flavour, supporting ethical farming and making sure every cup you brew is the best it can be.