Sam Café

Special Coffee in Grains - What Is It?
Special coffee beans is a term that emerged through an evaluative methodology, with scoring system, in order to classify all the coffee that surpassed all the survival tests found in the long journey from coffee to cup.

According to the SCAA Evaluation Methodology, any coffee that reaches the score above 80 points is already considered Special Coffee.

It is noteworthy that the specialty coffees are arabica type, that is, it is necessary to be 100% Arabica, without blends with the robust drink (conilon).

Being more precise the special coffee in its green stage, or raw as we call it precise is free of primary defects, is properly sized and dry, presents itself in the cup with very few defects and stains and has distinct attributes. In practical terms, this means that coffee should be able to pass the aspect classification and tasting tests.

We know that the type of coffee roast affects its flavor in the cup. The same coffee in different roasts, will have a different flavor. In the roasting part is also evaluated very carefully, after all, a special coffee sack, with award-winning lots and very well evaluated, can arrive at the time of roasting and be literally "burned" or even badly roasted, not presenting the quality and notes at the time of the tasting.

In the final analysis, the special coffees will be defined by the quality of the product, whether in green beans, roasted grain or prepared drink and by the quality of life that coffee can provide to all those involved in its cultivation, preparation and tasting. A coffee that provides satisfaction in all aspects and adds value to the life and livelihood of all involved is really a special coffee.

How Does Special Coffee Score Work?
Remember that a coffee evaluated with the Methodology of SCAA, between 80 and 100 points is considered a special coffee.

The following attributes are evaluated:

Aroma;
Sweetness;
Flavor;
Acidity;
Body;
Absence of Defects;
Uniformity;
Harmony;
Submission;
We can not fail to mention that the special coffee also ends up having aromas and flavors that can awaken your memory in the palate and smell, with notes of caramel, chocolate, fruits, almonds, herbal etc.

Usually a coffee of the highest quality, when trying the first time, gives the hint not to sweeten it, so that the experience and perceptions can be noticed.

And we're suspicious of talking, but you can believe it, when you try a special coffee, you're hardly going to want another.

Numbers and Curiosities
Historically and also economically, in Brazil, coffee has its fundamental role, besides us Brazilians having as culture to be the Second most consumed drink, second only to water.

According to data from ABIC (Brazilian Coffee Industry Association) in 2019, each Brazilian consumed on average 80liters of coffee in the annual period evaluated. This shows us the cultural passion we have with drinking. What draws most attention is the fact that we have no notion of this number, and many think that the drink most consumed may be beer, or juices, milk. But no, it's coffee, after all coffee can be welcome, at any time of the day, and any day of the week.

See also our complete category.