Specialty Green Coffee
At IV coffee, we are deeply committed to sourcing only specialty coffee to our customers. For us, “specialty” is synonymous with a pledge to quality. To earn this designation, each coffee must achieve a Quality Score of 80 or higher as per the Specialty Coffee Association of America (SCAA) standards. But what does this score mean, and how does it affect the coffee in your cup?
65 – 80: Commodity Coffee
- Typically found in supermarkets and instant blends.
80+: Specialty Coffee
- Offers more nuanced flavours and a better balance. At IV coffee, we exclusively source coffees with scores of 80 and above, many reaching 84+.
90+: Presidential Award
- These extraordinary coffees represent less than 1% of the specialty coffee market.
How is the Quality Score Determined?
Quality Scores are assessed through cupping sessions by expert tasters who evaluate a range of criteria:
- Defects: Coffees with defects often score below 80. Each defect can deduct 1 to 3 points, depending on its presence across cups.
- Sweetness: Clear, distinct sweetness, like fruity or honeyed flavours, adds to the score.
- Acidity: Balanced acidity whether malic (apple-like), tartaric (grape-like), or citric enriches the tasting experience without overpowering it.
- Balance: The best coffees harmonise bitterness and sweetness to create a well rounded flavour.
- Mouthfeel: Each coffee offers a distinct texture, ranging from buttery and juicy to tea-like.
- Flavour: A high score reflects well-developed flavours, such as peach, chocolate, or cherry.