We're seeing the term more and more on coffee shop menus and social media, but what exactly is specialty coffee?
It's not just a marketing ploy, it's a strict quality assurance system and a whole new coffee culture. Specialty coffee represents uncompromising quality at every step of the way from the farm to the cup, which is completely different from traditional, mass-produced blacks.
The secret of strict scoring and origin
Only coffee lots that score at least 80 out of 100 points in the official cupping system of the Specialty Coffee Association (SCA) can be graded as specialty. This quality begins with the care of the plants and hand picking.
While industrial coffees can use almost any green coffee, in the specialty world we almost without exception encounter the finest, high-altitude Arabica varieties.
The specific microclimate and soil composition of each growing region give the beans a completely unique flavor profile. A Guatemalan coffee, for example, is known for its elegant, chocolatey, and full-bodied notes, while an Ethiopian batch is more floral and citrusy. In a truly special coffee, these natural aromas are not roasted dark or bitter, but rather preserved with a light roast.
Roasting Styles: Single Origin or Blend?
In the world of specialty, we can find two main approaches:
Single Origin (vineyard selected)
A single batch from a specific farm or region that clearly demonstrates the characteristics of the place of production.
Blend
A harmonious combination of several different, yet perfectly complementary coffee varieties. A well-composed blend creates an excellent balance, thus providing consistent and reliable quality for everyday coffee.
Of course, quality coffee beans can also be enjoyed at home, as there are now many home coffee makers available on the market with grinds and roasts compatible with them.
This is where the barista comes in, the true master of coffee making. The water temperature, pressure, grind size and brewing time all require millimetre-precise control. The barista ensures that a short, thick espresso is created with the perfect crema layer, or that in milk drinks such as a silky latte, the milk foam and coffee flavour create perfect harmony.
The unmissable specialty café in the heart of Budapest
While it's good to know the theory, specialty coffee making has to be experienced in practice. If you want to experience what it's like when professional technology, top-quality ingredients, and an unparalleled atmosphere come together, the Smúz is waiting for you.
As one of the specialty coffee shops in Budapest with the most beautiful view, Smúz enchants not only with its iconic view of the Parliament but also with its coffee menu. Its baristas make the finest coffee specialities from premium 42 Coffee beans, whether it’s an intense espresso or a creamy milk drink. Sit out on the terrace, slow down by the Danube and discover why the whole world loves specialty coffee!
