Coffee
Varieties, processes and the coffee itself, from cherry to cup.
What Is Specialty Coffee? The Complete Guide to the 80-Point Standard
Specialty coffee is high-quality coffee scoring 80+ points, traceable from farm to cup. Learn the SCA definition, how it's scored and how to spot it.
Specialty Coffee Association (SCA): What It Is and Why It Matters
The SCA sets the standards behind specialty coffee: cupping, the Golden Cup, certified brewers, Q Graders and how SCAP and BSCA use or adapt its grading.
SCAA vs. SCA: What Happened to the Specialty Coffee Association of America?
SCAA became the SCA in 2017 after merging with its European counterpart. See the timeline, what changed, and which old SCAA terms still matter today.
Specialty vs. Gourmet vs. Premium Coffee: What’s the Real Difference?
'Gourmet' and 'premium' are marketing words; 'specialty' has a quality standard. Learn how to tell them apart and what to check on the label.
Third Wave Coffee Explained: How Specialty Became a Movement
Third wave coffee treats coffee as an artisan product. Learn who coined the term, what the three waves are, who the big names are and what's debated.
Is Specialty Coffee Worth the Price? What You’re Actually Paying For
Why specialty coffee costs more, what you're paying for, the real cost per cup at home, and when it's worth it. Updated with 2026 coffee price data.
The Best Specialty Coffee in 2026: How to Choose and Where to Buy
How to find the best specialty coffee in 2026: what the top-rated lists show, how to match beans to your brew method, and a checklist before you buy.
How to Buy Specialty Coffee Beans: 9 Things to Read on the Bag
Learn how to read a specialty coffee bag: roast date, origin, process, variety, altitude, roast level and more. A 9-point checklist for buying great beans.
Best Specialty Coffee Subscriptions of 2026, Compared
How to choose a specialty coffee subscription in 2026: roaster-direct vs. curated marketplaces, what testers recommend, and what to check before you subscribe.
Best Specialty Coffee Roasters in the World: How to Judge One (and 15 to Know)
How to judge a specialty coffee roaster, plus 15 roasters worth knowing across the US, UK, Europe and Asia, based on top lists and industry guides.
Specialty Instant Coffee: Is Freeze-Dried Finally Good Enough?
Specialty instant coffee has improved, but how close is it to fresh-brewed? What tests found, how it works, what it costs, and who it's for.
Best Specialty Decaf Coffee (and How Quality Decaf Is Made)
How specialty decaf is made, which decaffeination methods preserve flavor (Swiss Water, sugarcane EA, CO2) and what to look for when you buy decaf beans.
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Gedeb washed, 1:17 at 93 °C
Blueberry, jasmine, a clean finish. Three minutes, medium-fine grind.