Specialty Coffee Demystified: Your Top Questions Answered

At The Flat Cap Coffee Roasting Company, we know specialty coffee can feel like a bit of a mystery at first – tasting notes, origins, processes, brewing methods… it’s a whole world! But we believe great coffee should be both exceptional and approachable.

So today, we’re answering some of the most common questions we hear – to help you sip with confidence and enjoy every cup just a little bit more.

What exactly is specialty coffee?

Specialty coffee isn’t just a fancy name – it’s a term used to describe coffee that scores over 80 points on a 100-point scale, based on quality, flavour, and care in every stage from farm to cup.

It starts with high-grade arabica beans, grown in ideal conditions, and continues through careful harvesting, processing, and expert roasting. The result? A coffee that tells a story through flavour.

What does “single origin” mean?

A single origin coffee comes from one specific region – sometimes even a single farm. These coffees are prized for their unique flavour profiles that reflect the soil, climate, and altitude where they’re grown.

By contrast, blends (like our popular House Blend or seasonal Spring and Summer blends) bring together coffees from different origins to create a balanced, consistent flavour.

How does the roast level affect flavour?

Roast level plays a big part in how your coffee tastes:

• Light roast: Bright, fruity, floral – more of the coffee’s origin comes through.
• Medium roast: Balanced, rounded, often with chocolatey or nutty notes.
• Dark roast: Rich, bold, smoky – more roast flavour, less origin character.

At Flat Cap, we tend to lean towards medium and medium-dark roasts that bring out sweetness, depth, and drinkability – while still letting the origin shine.

Do tasting notes mean the coffee’s flavoured?

Nope! Tasting notes (like peach, honey, or chocolate) describe the natural flavours that emerge from the bean’s origin and how it’s roasted – just like you’d describe the flavours in wine or chocolate.

You’re not drinking coffee with fruit or flowers added – it’s just what the bean tastes like when it’s grown and roasted with care.

What’s the best way to brew specialty coffee?

Honestly? The best way is whichever way you like best. But great results start with freshly ground beans, the right water temperature, and a brew method that suits the coffee.

Need help? Just ask us – we love helping you get the most out of your coffee at home.

Final Thoughts

Specialty coffee isn’t about being fancy or exclusive – it’s about quality, connection, and making every cup count. Whether you’re a seasoned home barista or just starting to explore, we’re here to guide you.

At Flat Cap, every bean is roasted with purpose – so you can brew with confidence and enjoy coffee that’s full of flavour and free from fuss.