Why has specialty coffee become so popular?

What is specialty coffee?

Specialty coffee refers to high-quality coffee that scores at least 80 points on the Specialty Coffee Association (SCA) scale. This rating is based on expert evaluations of aroma, flavor, body, acidity, and aftertaste, conducted by certified coffee tasters known as Q Graders—the coffee equivalent of wine sommeliers.

Imagine having to pass 24 tests in just six days to earn a coffee grading certification—that’s exactly what Q Graders do! During cupping (professional coffee tasting), they actually spit out the coffee after tasting to avoid excessive caffeine intake, as they sometimes evaluate over 50 cups a day.

So, what does this mean for you? Every cup of specialty coffee comes from carefully selected beans, grown under optimal conditions and roasted to highlight the best possible flavors.

How is specialty coffee different from regular coffee?

Specialty coffee is cultivated in specific microclimates where altitude, soil, and weather create ideal growing conditions. The cherries are hand-picked to ensure only the ripest ones are selected. And roasting? It’s not mass production—each batch is roasted with precision to preserve its rich, complex flavors.

The latest trend in the coffee world? Fruit fermentations that further enhance the flavor profile! These fermentation processes amplify fruity and floral notes, creating an entirely new coffee-drinking experience.

What coffee lovers appreciate most about specialty coffee is its flavor diversity. Depending on its origin, you can taste floral, fruity, chocolatey, or nutty notes, making each cup a unique experience.

Where does specialty coffee come from?

Specialty coffee is sourced from regions renowned for their exceptional growing conditions and deep-rooted coffee traditions:

• Ethiopia – The birthplace of coffee, known for its floral and fruity notes.
• Colombia – Offers well-balanced coffees with rich body and mild acidity.
• Kenya – Recognized for its vibrant, fruity flavors.
• Panama – Home to one of the most prized coffee varieties—Geisha.
• Brazil – The world’s largest coffee producer, famous for its full-bodied, nutty coffees.

The most expensive specialty coffee variety, Geisha, originates from Ethiopia but gained worldwide fame thanks to Panamanian farms like Hacienda La Esmeralda. Did you know that Panamanian Geisha was auctioned for over $2,000 per kilogram in 2022? In luxury cafés in Dubai and Tokyo, a single cup of this coffee can cost between $75 and $100!

How to brew specialty coffee at home?

If you think making specialty coffee at home is complicated—think again! You just need to choose the method that suits you best:

• V60 (pour-over) – Highlights complex flavors.
• AeroPress – Quick and full-bodied.
• French press – Rich and unfiltered.
• Espresso – Intense and concentrated, with a signature crema.

Did you know? Franck specialty coffee is roasted just for you—only after you place an order. Each bag undergoes a unique roasting cycle to ensure maximum freshness and flavor. We select only the finest beans from carefully chosen farms worldwide, delivering a personalized premium experience.

Important detail! Every brewing method requires the right grind size to extract the best flavors. You can order Franck specialty coffee as whole beans and grind it yourself, but if you don’t have a grinder—don’t worry! We’ll grind it to your preferred brewing method.

Franck specialty Mexico – a coffee with a story

The new Franck specialty Mexico coffee combines exceptional quality with social responsibility. It comes from the Chiapas region in Mexico, grown on the Las Chicharras farm at an altitude of 1,200 to 1,400 meters, featuring varieties like Caturra, Arabe, Bourbon, and Costarica 95.

What makes this coffee special—beyond its outstanding flavor—is the Finca Las Chicharras School project, which supports the education of children whose parents work on coffee farms. By purchasing this coffee, you’re not just enjoying a premium brew—you’re also contributing to the development of their local community.

Franck specialty Mexico offers a multi-layered flavor experience. A sweet, chocolatey body is complemented by subtle hints of yellow pepper, macadamia nuts, and fresh herbal notes. This coffee is available on the Franck webshop, at Franck stores, and at the Franck Experience Store.

Conclusion

Specialty coffee isn’t just a trend—it’s changing the way we experience coffee. If you love rich flavors and want to explore beyond an ordinary cup, now’s the time to try something new!