What is the difference between specialty and craft coffee?
is a technical classification based on a professional sensory score of 80+ points, while craft coffee is a broader, often marketing-driven term that implies a focus on artisanal roasting, small-batch production, and a commitment to quality. While they often overlap, specialty is the objective standard, whereas craft is a descriptor of the roaster's approach and philosophy.
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The terms 'specialty' and 'craft' are frequently used to describe the same high-end coffee experience, but they come from different origins. is a formal industry term defined by the Association. It is based on objective metrics: the coffee must be free of primary defects, have a distinct character, and score at least 80 points on a 100-point scale during a professional session. It is a standard that ensures a baseline of quality.
Craft coffee is more of a cultural term. It draws inspiration from the 'craft' movement in other industries, like beer and chocolate. It emphasizes the human element—the skill of the roaster, the care taken in brewing, and the story behind the beans. A 'craft' roaster might focus on unique roast profiles, experimental processing methods, or direct-trade relationships. It is less about a specific score and more about the philosophy of treating coffee as an artisanal product rather than a commodity.
In practice, most coffee that is marketed as 'craft' is also 'specialty.' A roaster who identifies as a craft roaster is almost certainly sourcing specialty-grade beans because they know that the quality of the raw material is the foundation of their craft. However, you might encounter coffee that is labeled 'craft' but lacks the transparency or the rigorous quality control of a true specialty operation. The term 'craft' is not regulated, so it can be used by anyone, whereas 'specialty' carries a specific, industry-recognized meaning.
For the reader, the distinction is useful for managing expectations. When you see 'specialty,' you can expect a certain level of quality and consistency. When you see 'craft,' you can expect a focus on the roaster's unique style and a commitment to the artisanal process. Both terms point toward a better coffee experience, but understanding the difference helps you look past the marketing to find the roasters and producers who are truly dedicated to the science and art of coffee.
- ·https://sca.coffee/sca-news/coffee-decoded-14-dialling-inVerify source for reference 1 ↗
- ·https://royalcoffee.com/understanding-coffee-extraction-other-key-brewing-conceptsVerify source for reference 2 ↗