If you’re somebody who thinks ‘coffee is just coffee’, this blog is probably not for you. Because we will be talking about speciality coffee. Now, it is a term that you must have come across quite a lot. 

But what is specialty coffee? It's coffee that is made with a focus on quality sourcing, careful processing, and a distinctive character. Do you relate to this outlook about coffee? If yes, this blog is definitely for you.

What is Specialty Coffee? 

As we said, specialty coffee is much, much more than just having a cup of good coffee. It is about the story of it or the journey it has taken. It is about everything from how the cherries are grown to how the beans are processed, roasted, and beyond.

So, people who prefer this kind of coffee want to look beyond the basics of aroma and taste. 

Here are some key characteristics that define specialty coffee:  

• Origin: Specialty coffee is traceable to a specific region, estate, farm, or producer.

• Specialty coffee is often handpicked and cherries are sometimes selective in order to enhance the consistency of the coffee.

• Moreover, the coffee is also evaluated to match a certain grade and flavour profile.

• After harvesting is done, coffee beans are processed, and how they are processed determines a lot about the coffee. Different methods like washed, natural, honey, and anaerobic fermentation can result in diverse levels of sweetness, acidity, and fruitiness.

• Lastly, sourcing is transparent with specialty coffee, you get visibility into how it's grown, sourced, and transported, not just where it's from.

In short, this kind of coffee goes way beyond coffee that tastes nice. It is about appreciating the unique characteristics of each lot.

Why Is Specialty Coffee in India Gaining Attention? 

Coffee growing is a part of India's long and illustrious history. Coffee growing areas in India are in Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Nagaland and sections across the country.

However, the coffee from all these different regions of India is not the same. The differences in elevation, soil, climate, and similar factors give a different aroma, profile, and flavour to each of them. 

This growing interest in specialty coffee in India is encouraging consumers to look beyond conventional coffee and explore what Indian coffee has to offer.

Here are some reasons Indian speciality coffee is becoming more interesting to coffee drinkers: 

• More and more coffee drinkers want to know in detail about where the coffee comes from. 

• The diversity in Indian coffee means that there is a plethora of flavours available to find and explore. 

• Furthermore, coffee producers in India are also experimenting with new and controlled fermentation methods. 

Rossette Coffee Lab is growing out from this coffee culture and we source straight from estates in Karnataka, Tamil Nadu and Nagaland. We roast each batch fresh, close-batches at our roastery in Delhi, so that you can dive into a vast plethora of destinations, flavor profiles and brewing methods with genuine knowledge of where your coffee comes from.

Specialty Coffee vs Regular Coffee: What’s the Difference? 

Regular coffee isn't necessarily "bad." It simply serves a different purpose. Specialty coffee gives consumers more information and variety, while regular coffee can offer a familiar cup that is easy to find and prepare.

What Makes Specialty Coffee Taste Different? 

Single Origin vs Blend Coffee 

Single-origin coffee comes from one defined farm, estate or region, highlighting its unique character. 

Blend coffee combines beans from different origins to create a balanced, consistent flavour. 

Processing Methods Matter 

The way coffee cherries are processed after harvesting also shapes flavour: 

• Washed: Cleaner and brighter flavours

• Natural: Sweeter and fruitier notes

• Honey: More sweetness and body

• Anaerobic fermentation: Low-oxygen fermentation that creates distinctive flavours

The same region can produce very different coffees depending on how its beans are processed. 

How Can You Start Exploring Indian Specialty Coffee? 

If you're still reading this blog and you're new to specialty coffee, chances are you're ready to explore it, whether that's for your own kitchen, or for your office, hotel, or restaurant.

If yes, you can begin with this approach. 

1. Choose a single-origin Indian coffee to understand its character.

2. Check the tasting notes and processing method before brewing.

3. Try the same beans using two brewing methods, for instance, as a hot pour-over and as a cold brew coffee, to see how the process changes the cup.

4. Compare a single origin with a blend coffee.

5. Note acidity, sweetness, body, and aftertaste.

Is Specialty Coffee Worth Trying? 

If you enjoy discovering flavours, understanding coffee origins, or experimenting with brewing, specialty coffee is worth exploring. 

Indian speciality coffee is unique, since its growing areas and growers provide a range of coffees, from clean washed coffees to experimental fermented batches.

Conclusion 

Coffee lovers across India are incredibly excited about the specialty coffee scene in the country. It is giving them more and more flavours to explore and relish. Be it single-origin beans or blends or coffee made through unique processing methods, it isn’t anymore about ‘just a good cup of coffee’, is it? 

We, at Rossette Coffee Lab, are here to make your switch to specialty coffee as seamless as possible with our direct-trade, small-batch roasted Indian specialty coffee.

FAQs 

1: Is specialty coffee healthier than regular coffee? 

Not necessarily, specialty coffee is not inherently "healthier." The differences are in quality, flavour, sourcing and farming and processing methods, not nutrition. Both can be incorporated in a balanced diet.

2: What is the difference between specialty and regular coffee? 

Now, regular coffee is about consistency and being accessible to everybody. Specialty coffee, on the other hand, is all about distinction in flavours, quality, and traceability. 

3: How should beginners choose specialty coffee? 

Well, you can begin your journey with a nice single-origin option. You can also start with notes that you enjoy and then move into more complex options as you keep exploring.