What makes coffee ‘Specialty’? And why it’s worth ordering online
You’ve probably seen the term “specialty coffee” before—but what does it really mean? And more importantly, is it worth the hype? (Spoiler alert: yes.)
Let’s break down what makes coffee “specialty” and why ordering it online is the best way to enjoy it at home.
What Is Specialty Coffee?
Specialty coffee is the highest grade of coffee available. It's based on a point system, like wine. It’s scored by the Specialty Coffee Association (SCA), and only beans that score 80 points or higher out of 100 earn the title.
That means no defects, no shortcuts—just quality, flavour, and craftsmanship from seed to cup. But the score is just the beginning. It helps create a comparative scale, but for independent Canadian roasters like us, it's about sourcing responsibly and providing a superior cup of coffee for our customers.
It Starts at the Source
Specialty beans come from farms and co-ops that prioritize sustainability, ethical trade, and quality. These beans are hand-picked, carefully processed, and fully traceable.
At Smoking Gun Coffee, we work with producers who care deeply about their land and their crop—and that care comes through in every sip. You can read a bit about our process here.
Roasted for Flavour (Not Shelf Life)
Big coffee brands roast dark to extend shelf life and mask flaws. We roast to highlight flavour—bringing out tasting notes like citrus, cocoa, stone fruit, or caramel depending on the origin.
Freshly roasted coffee = a better brew every time.
Why Order Online?
When you buy specialty coffee online from a roaster, you're getting it at peak freshness—usually just days after it’s roasted. It also gives you access to small-batch roasts and single-origin lots that you’ll never find in stores.
Want something bright and floral? Earthy and bold? You’ll find it online—and we’ll help you pick the perfect one.
So… is specialty coffee worth it? 100%.
It’s better for farmers, better for the planet, and way better in your cup.
Check out our line-up of Specialty Coffee today and get them delivered fresh across Canada.
And, PS, some of the SG crew will be heading to the Specialty Coffee Expo this week to dive into all things coffee. Keep an eye out for a blog post about what we find!