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Are Specialty Coffee Beans Worth the Price? Should you buy them?

Specialty Coffee Beans

Are Specialty Coffee Beans Worth the Price? Should you buy them?

Specialty coffee beans are known for their exceptional quality and taste, but they can come with a higher price tag. What makes specialty coffee special? Is it worth it to pay a bit more for these special beans?

When considering buying specialty coffee for the first time, you may wonder if it’s worth the extra cost. But it’s important to remember that specialty coffee is a premium product, grown, harvested and processed with extra care and attention to detail. This results in a unique and unparalleled flavor experience.

So, are specialty coffee beans worth the price? In our opinion, it’s a resounding yes. Not only is it delicious, but it also supports sustainable farming practices and small farmers. The unique flavor profile and aroma of specialty coffee make it truly exceptional. When you purchase specialty coffee, you can trust that you are getting a product that is truly worth the extra investment.

So, let’s take a moment to understand the difference between specialty and non-specialty coffee beans.

What is Specialty Coffee?

Specialty coffee is a term used to describe high-quality coffee beans that have been grown, harvested and processed with great care and attention to detail. These beans are typically grown in specific regions, often at high altitudes, and are carefully selected for their unique flavor profiles. They are also typically hand-picked and go through a rigorous process of sorting and grading.

Specialty coffee is graded by a system called Specialty Coffee Association (SCA) grading system, where only coffee beans with a score of 80+ can be called specialty coffee. These beans are characterized by a lack of defects, a consistent flavor profile and a high level of acidity, sweetness, and balance.

Non-specialty beans, on the other hand, are grown on a larger scale and are often blended together to create a consistent taste.

One of the main reasons specialty coffee beans are more expensive is because of the care and attention that goes into growing and harvesting them. Specialty coffee beans are grown in small batches, often by family-owned farms, and are tended to by dedicated farmers who use sustainable and environmentally friendly practices. This means that the cost of production is higher, which is reflected in the final price.

How much does Specialty Coffee cost?

When it comes to the cost of specialty coffee, it can vary depending on the type of bean, where it’s grown, and how it’s processed. Single-origin beans, which come from a specific region and have unique flavor profiles, may be more expensive than specialty coffee blends. The rarity and quality of the beans can also affect the price.

It’s important to note that the cost of producing, transporting and taxes also play a role in determining the final price of specialty coffee. Additionally, specialty coffee beans that are grown in small batches by family-owned farms, and are tended to by dedicated farmers who use sustainable and environmentally friendly practices may also be more expensive than others. If you are looking for a truly exceptional cup of coffee that supports sustainable practices, it’s worth to pay a bit more for specialty coffee.

While there is an entire galaxy of economics behind the price, and have been Coffee Price Crises, you can reasonably expect from A$50 per Kilo to A$120 per Kilo for Specialty Coffee Beans.

Who is Specialty Coffee for?

Specialty coffee is for those who appreciate a truly exceptional cup of coffee. If you’re a coffee lover looking for a unique and flavorful experience, specialty coffee is for you.

With a focus on high-quality, sustainably-sourced beans, specialty coffee offers a taste like no other. However, it is important to keep in mind that specialty coffee does come at a higher cost compared to commercial coffee. But, we believe that the superior taste and supporting sustainable farming practices is worth the investment.

Give it a try at least once, you won’t regret it!

Who are we?

At Grand’Cru (a specialty coffee roaster located in Chatswood, Sydney), we have a passion for not just great coffee, but also the community and connections that come with it. 

With 50 years of roasting experience under our belt, we are dedicated to not only providing delicious specialty coffee, but also fostering relationships and spreading the happiness that coffee brings to all of our customers.

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