What is the SCA cupping score?

The SCA cupping score is the industry's primary language for defining quality. Developed to provide a consistent, objective way to evaluate coffee, the 100-point scale allows farmers, exporters, and roasters to communicate the value of a specific lot. When a coffee is 'cupped,' it is evaluated blind by trained professionals who score it across several categories, including fragrance, flavor, aftertaste, acidity, body, uniformity, balance, and clean cup.

To be considered 'specialty,' a coffee must achieve a score of 80 or higher. This threshold is not just a number; it represents a commitment to quality throughout the supply chain. Coffees scoring between 80 and 84.99 are generally considered 'very good,' while those scoring 85 to 89.99 are 'excellent,' and those 90 and above are 'outstanding.' This scoring system helps ensure that the premium paid for specialty coffee is tied to verifiable quality rather than just marketing.

It is important to note that the SCA score is a snapshot of the coffee's quality at a specific moment in time. Factors like roast level, freshness, and brewing method can all influence how a coffee tastes in your cup. However, the score provides a baseline that tells you the coffee has been vetted for defects and possesses a level of complexity that sets it apart from commodity-grade coffee.

In practice, the SCA score is a powerful tool for consumers. When you see a high score on a bag of coffee, you know that the beans have undergone rigorous testing. It gives you the confidence that you are purchasing a product that has been handled with care from the farm to the roaster, ensuring that you get the best possible experience in every cup.