What Makes Specialty Coffee Different? Find out How Specialty Coffee is Worth It with Ride & Grind

12 Jul 2024
Close-up of roasted coffee beans | Ride & Grind

Have you ever wondered why some coffee tastes leagues better than others? Or why do certain brews fetch a higher price? Welcome to the world of specialty coffee, where each cup tells a story of quality, craftsmanship, and flavour that’s worth every penny.

At Ride & Grind, we’re passionate about bringing the finest specialty coffee to doorsteps across Edinburgh, Glasgow, and the UK. But what exactly sets specialty coffee apart from your average cuppa? Let’s explore why it’s capturing the hearts (and taste buds) of coffee lovers everywhere.

The Specialty Difference

Specialty coffee isn’t just a fancy term – it’s a mark of exceptional quality. Unlike commodity coffee, which often prioritises quantity over quality, specialty coffee focuses on producing the best beans possible. This journey begins at the farm and continues right up to your cup.

1. Superior Beans

It all starts with the cream of the crop – literally. Specialty coffee uses only the highest grade of freshly roasted coffee beans, typically scoring 80 points or above on a 100-point scale set by the Specialty Coffee Association. These beans are carefully selected for their unique flavour profiles, ensuring each cup is a taste sensation.

2. Ethical Sourcing

When you sip on specialty coffee, you’re treating yourself and supporting ethical farming practices. They often come from smaller farms that prioritise sustainable methods and fair wages for workers. It’s coffee you can feel good about drinking.

3. Expert Roasting

Once the beans reach our roastery, the magic happens. Our skilled roasters carefully coax out the unique flavours of each batch, highlighting the bean’s natural characteristics. This attention to detail results in a more complex and enjoyable flavour you won’t find in mass-produced coffee.

4. Freshness Matters

Have you ever noticed how coffee from the supermarket can taste a bit… flat? That’s because freshness is crucial to coffee flavour. At Ride&Grind, we roast our beans in small batches and ship them quickly, ensuring you get the freshest coffee possible. The difference in taste is remarkable.

5. Traceable Origins

One of speciality coffee’s joys is learning where your beans come from. Each coffee contains information about its origin, including the farm, region, and even the specific lot it was grown. It’s like a passport for your taste buds!

Why It’s Worth the Investment

We know what you’re thinking – specialty coffee often has a higher price tag. But here’s why it’s worth every penny:

1. Unparalleled Flavour

The care taken at every step of the process results in coffee with depth, complexity, and nuance you’ve likely never experienced before. It’s not just a caffeine fix; it’s a flavour adventure.

2. Health Benefits

High-quality coffee is packed with antioxidants and other beneficial compounds. When you choose specialty coffee, you’re not just treating your taste buds – you’re doing your body a favour, too.

3. Supporting Sustainable Practices

By choosing specialty coffee, you’re voting with your wallet for better farming practices, fair wages, and a more sustainable coffee industry. It’s a small change that can make a big difference.

4. A More Enjoyable Ritual

Let’s face it – for many of us, a good cuppa is a daily ritual. Why not make it the best it can be? Starting your day with a truly excellent cup can set a positive tone for everything that follows.

5. Discovering New Flavours

The world of specialty coffee is vast and varied. From fruity Ethiopian Korate to chocolatey Rwanda- Huye Mountain Area, there’s always something new to discover. It’s like a world tour for your palate!

Join the Specialty Coffee Journey with Ride&Grind

Ride & Grind is a coffee subscription service that delivers freshly roasted coffee beans to your door. They offer a variety of specialty coffees, from blends to single-origin, to suit all palates. Their team is passionate about coffee and can help you find the perfect cup. Ride&Grind believes that a good cup of morning brew can transform your morning routine.