At Tambia, we often get asked: “What exactly is speciality coffee—and how can I tell if mine is?” It’s a great question, especially if you’re starting to explore coffee beyond the supermarket shelf.
Speciality coffee isn’t just about great taste (though that’s definitely part of it). It’s about quality, traceability, craftsmanship, and care at every stage—from seed to cup. Here’s how you can tell if your coffee truly meets the mark:
1. Scoring 80+ on the SCA Scale
Speciality coffee is officially defined by the Specialty Coffee Association (SCA) as coffee that scores 80 points or more out of 100 on a professional cupping scale. These points measure things like aroma, flavour clarity, body, acidity, and balance.
At Tambia, our coffees are grown and selected to meet (and often exceed) this standard—with flavour profiles that celebrate the unique terroir of our Colombian farms. All of our coffee's are 84+ in the SCA Scale.
2. Full Traceability
True speciality coffee lets you trace it back to the farm—sometimes even to the exact plot of land or lot. This is more than marketing—it means transparency in growing practices, fair treatment of workers, and deep respect for the land.
Tambia coffee is grown on our own farms in Colombia. We don’t source from others—we grow it ourselves, and we oversee every step.
3. Hand-Harvested & Carefully Processed
Speciality beans are typically hand-picked at peak ripeness and go through carefully controlled processing methods—washed, natural, or honey—that preserve and enhance flavour.
At Tambia, our cherries are picked by hand, often on steep hillsides, and processed on-site at Hacienda La Sierra using techniques honed over three generations.
4. Roasted with Precision
Speciality coffee is roasted in small batches, with the goal of highlighting the bean’s natural character—not hiding it with over-roasting. Different varietals and altitudes require unique roast profiles.
We roast locally in the UK to maintain freshness and respect the unique flavour profile of each lot—from our bright Pink Bourbon to our smooth Castillo.
5. Clear Labelling
Speciality coffee tells you what’s inside the bag:
- The varietal (e.g. Castillo, Geisha)
- The processing method (washed, natural, honey)
- The region or farm
- The roast level and tasting notes
If your coffee label doesn’t include this, it’s probably not speciality. At Tambia, we put everything you need to know right on the front—because you deserve to know exactly what you’re drinking.
Why It Matters
Speciality coffee isn’t just about great flavour—it’s about fairness, sustainability, and transparency. It means the people growing the coffee are paid fairly. It means the land is treated with respect. And it means your cup tastes better, because it’s been cared for at every step.