What’s The Difference Between Artisanal Coffee And Specialty Coffee?

In a world where coffee has evolved from just a morning beverage pick-me-up to a cultural phenomena that some families can’t bring up at the dinner table in some extra-passionate households, two terms have gained prominence: artisanal coffee and specialty coffee. These terms are often used interchangeably, but they encompass totally distinct aspects that set them apart. Bear with us while we nerd out on the nuances that differentiate artisanal coffee from specialty coffee, helping you understand the intricacies of each and guiding you through your next coffee adventure.

What is Artisanal Coffee?

Artisanal coffee is a term that embodies the craft and artistry involved in the coffee-making process. It emphasizes the hands-on approach, meticulous attention to detail, and a commitment to producing high-quality coffee. Artisanal coffee roasters and producers often focus on smaller batches, allowing them to curate unique flavors and profiles. Here are some key characteristics of artisanal coffee:

1. Handcrafted Approach: Artisanal coffee is produced with an emphasis on the manual and artistic aspect of coffee-making. From the careful selection of beans to the roasting and brewing methods, each step is executed with precision and expertise.
2. Small-Scale Production: Artisanal coffee is often associated with limited production quantities. Roasters and producers prioritize quality over quantity, enabling them to refine their techniques and create distinctive flavor profiles.

3. Personal Connection: Artisanal coffee brands tend to establish a personal connection with their customers. The story behind the coffee, the dedication of the people involved, and the commitment to sustainable practices often form an integral part of the narrative.

4. Diverse Flavor Profiles: Due to the smaller batch sizes and attention to detail, artisanal coffees can offer a wide range of flavors and aromas. This diversity stems from the unique characteristics of each coffee bean variety and the roasting techniques employed.

What is Specialty Coffee?

Specialty coffee, on the other hand, is a term that primarily emphasizes the quality of the coffee beans themselves. It refers to coffee beans that have been rated and graded by professionals based on specific criteria. These criteria include factors like flavor, aroma, acidity, body, and aftertaste. Here are the key aspects of specialty coffee:

1. Quality Focus: Specialty coffee is defined by its exceptional quality. The beans must score at least 80 points on a 100-point scale, as determined by certified coffee tasters. These beans are considered to have unique and superior flavor characteristics.

2. Bean Grading: Specialty coffee beans undergo a rigorous grading process. Each bean is evaluated for its visual appearance, moisture content, bean size, and other factors that influence flavor and aroma.

3. Traceability and Transparency: Specialty coffee often comes with a strong emphasis on transparency. The origins of the beans, the farms where they were grown, and the methods used in cultivation and processing are often provided to consumers.

4. Sustainability: Many specialty coffee producers prioritize sustainable practices, focusing on ethical sourcing, fair trade, and environmentally friendly cultivation methods.

What’s the ELI5 version?

While artisanal coffee and specialty coffee are both terms that evoke a sense of craftsmanship and quality, they emphasize different aspects of the coffee world. Artisanal coffee showcases the artisan's touch, creativity, and small-scale approach, leading to unique and handcrafted flavors. Specialty coffee, on the other hand, is rooted in the inherent quality of the beans, with a focus on strict grading standards and traceability.

Both types of coffees contribute to the vibrant tapestry of the coffee culture, offering coffee enthusiasts an array of experiences to explore and savor. Whether you're drawn to the artistry of artisanal coffee or the precision of specialty coffee, one thing is certain: both worlds offer a gateway to the rich and diverse flavors that the world of coffee has to offer.

Shop Craft Fare’s selection of both specialty and artisanal coffees here