What Is Specialty Coffee and Why You Should Try It

What Is Specialty Coffee?

For many, coffee is just a daily habit. But at Handpickers, it’s a deeper experience—one filled with character, origin, and story. Specialty coffee is not just better coffee; it’s the result of quality at every step, from crop to cup. To earn the title “specialty,” a coffee must score above 80/100 by certified Q-graders and meet strict standards for care, cleanliness, and traceability

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Why Choose Specialty Coffee?

Specialty coffee stands out for its origin quality, sustainable farming practices, and meticulous processing. Producers use natural methods like washed or honey processing, while roasting is done with precision to highlight each lot’s flavor profile. Every coffee comes with full transparency—variety, altitude, and terroir—offering an authentic and traceable experience in every cup.

Taste With Purpose: Sustainability & Relationships

Behind every bag of specialty coffee is a story of people and place. Through direct trade relationships, we ensure fair compensation and build long-term partnerships based on respect and shared growth. Specialty coffee isn’t just about taste—it’s about a fair, transparent, and sustainable model that supports producers and cares for the planet.

How to Start With Specialty Coffee

If you’re just starting, choose a filter or espresso coffee with a clean, approachable flavor profile. Explore tasting notes that speak to you—chocolate, red fruit, florals. Try different brewing methods like V60, AeroPress, or espresso to discover what fits your style. At Handpickers, we carefully select coffees worth discovering. Because for us, quality isn’t a choice—it’s the only way.