Is Specialty Coffee Really Better Than Regular Coffee?

When it comes to coffee, not all beans are created equal. You might be wondering: Is specialty coffee really worth the extra cost compared to regular coffee? The short answer is yes—but let’s dive deeper into why specialty coffee stands out in terms of quality, taste, sustainability, and overall experience.

What Is Specialty Coffee?

Specialty coffee is defined by the Specialty Coffee Association (SCA) as coffee that scores 80 points or above on a 100-point scale when graded by certified Q Graders. These beans are carefully sourced, meticulously roasted, and brewed to highlight their unique flavours.

However, not all specialty coffee is the same. The highest-tier specialty coffee—such as rare Geisha varieties or beans scoring 87+ points—represents the pinnacle of quality, with unparalleled complexity and depth.

In contrast, commercial or "regular" coffee often consists of lower-grade beans (below 80 points), mass-produced with little attention to origin, processing methods, or flavor profiles.

Why Specialty Coffee Tastes Better

1. Superior Quality Beans

Specialty coffee comes from specific microclimates where altitude, soil, and weather conditions create optimal growing conditions. Farmers handpick only the ripest cherries, ensuring no defects make it into your cup.

Ultra-premium specialty coffee (87+ points or Geisha varieties) takes this further—each bean is selected for its exceptional sweetness, acidity, and aroma, often from renowned farms with decades of expertise.

Regular coffee, on the other hand, often includes lower-grade beans, machine harvesting (which mixes ripe and unripe cherries), and inconsistent processing methods—resulting in a flat or bitter taste.

Roasting good specialty coffee needs a lot of craft and experience.

2. Freshness & Roasting Precision

Specialty coffee is typically roasted in small batches to bring out the best in each bean. Roasters adjust time and temperature to highlight natural flavors—whether fruity, floral, or chocolatey.

The finest specialty coffees (like Geisha or 90+ point lots) receive even more meticulous roasting, sometimes in nano-batches to ensure perfection.

Most commercial coffee is roasted dark to mask imperfections, leading to a burnt, one-dimensional taste. Plus, it often sits on shelves for months, losing freshness.

3. Traceability & Ethical Sourcing

When you buy specialty coffee, you know exactly where it comes from. Many specialty roasters work directly with farmers, paying fair prices (often 2-3x more than commodity coffee) to ensure sustainability.

For ultra-premium coffees, the relationship is even closer—some lots are auctioned at premium prices (€100+/kg or more), ensuring farmers earn a living wage while producing the world’s best beans.

Mass-produced coffee often exploits cheap labour, contributing to poverty in coffee-growing regions. By choosing specialty coffee, you support ethical farming practices.

Health & Environmental Benefits

1. Fewer Pesticides & Chemicals

Specialty coffee is frequently organic or sustainably farmed, reducing harmful chemical use. Commercial coffee, especially non-organic, may contain pesticide residues.

2. Lower Carbon Footprint

Many specialty coffee brands prioritize eco-friendly practices, like biodegradable packaging and carbon-neutral shipping. In contrast, mass-produced coffee often involves deforestation and high-energy processing.

3. Better for Your Body

Higher-quality beans contain more antioxidants and fewer contaminants. Cheap coffee can include mold or mycotoxins due to poor storage conditions.

Is Specialty Coffee More Expensive?

Yes, but for good reason. Here’s a quick cost breakdown:

While specialty coffee costs more upfront, the taste, ethical impact, and health benefits make it worth the investment. And when it comes to exceptional coffees (87+ points or rare Geisha lots), you're paying for a once-in-a-lifetime sensory experience—something no commercial coffee can match.

Making specialty coffee at home is an art.

How to Brew Specialty Coffee at Home

To fully appreciate specialty coffee, proper brewing is key. Here are some tips:

• Grind fresh: Use a burr grinder for consistency.

• Use filtered water: Impurities affect taste.

• Measure accurately: A 1:16 coffee-to-water ratio is ideal.

• Control temperature: Aim for 90-96°C for optimal extraction.

Methods like pour-over, AeroPress, or French press highlight nuanced flavors better than automatic drip machines.

Final Verdict: Is Specialty Coffee Worth It?

If you care about flavor, sustainability, and supporting ethical farming, then specialty coffee is the clear winner. And if you truly want the best of the best, investing in 87+ point or Geisha coffee is like tasting fine wine versus table wine—there’s simply no comparison. At Jaeger Morris, we specialize in premium specialty coffee, starting at €15/250g for exceptional 87+ point lots. Every cup tells a story—why settle for less?

Ready to Experience the Difference?

Shop our specialty coffee selection today and taste what real coffee should be.