Why do some coffees have a cupping score on the label?
A score on a coffee label indicates the quality of the coffee as evaluated by a certified professional, such as a Q-Grader. Using the SCA scoring system, coffees that score 80 points or higher are classified as 'specialty grade.' This score provides consumers with an objective measure of the coffee's quality, complexity, and overall balance.
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When you see a number like '86' or '88' on a bag of coffee, you are looking at a score. This score is the result of a standardized evaluation process known as , where coffee is tasted in a controlled environment to assess its quality. The scoring system, developed by the Association (SCA), is the global benchmark for the industry.
To arrive at this score, a professional taster evaluates the coffee across several categories: fragrance and aroma, flavor, aftertaste, acidity, body, balance, uniformity, clean cup, sweetness, and overall impression. Each category is scored on a scale, and the final total determines the coffee's grade. A score of 80 or above is the threshold for ',' the highest tier of quality in the industry.
Why is this score important? It provides a common language for everyone in the supply chain. For the farmer, a high score can mean a higher price for their harvest. For the roaster, it helps in selecting the best beans for their menu. For the consumer, it acts as a guide to quality. A higher score generally indicates a more complex, balanced, and well-processed coffee, while a lower score might suggest a more basic or commercial-grade product.
However, it is important to remember that a score is not a measure of personal preference. A coffee with an 88-point score is objectively high-quality, but you might personally prefer the flavor profile of an 84-point coffee. The score measures technical excellence—the absence of defects and the presence of desirable characteristics—rather than whether you will enjoy the specific taste of that coffee.
In practice, the score is a tool for transparency. It tells you that the roaster is proud of the quality of their beans and is willing to have them evaluated against international standards. When you see a score on a label, you can be confident that you are buying a product that has been carefully selected and vetted. It is a great way to explore different origins and processing methods while knowing that you are getting a high-quality experience.
- ·https://sca.coffee/research/coffee-standardsVerify source for reference 1 ↗
- ·https://www.coffeeinstitute.org/our-work/q-grader-program/Verify source for reference 2 ↗