Specialty Coffee Q&A
New to Specialty Coffee? Our Top Questions & Answers
What’s the difference between Arabica and Robusta?
Arabica tends to taste smoother and more complex, while Robusta is stronger, more bitter, and has more caffeine.
Why are coffee beans roasted?
Roasting transforms raw green beans, developing aroma, flavor, and body through chemical reactions.
What does “single-origin” mean?
Coffee from one country, region, or farm rather than a blend of beans from multiple origins.
What does “blend” mean in coffee?
A mix of beans from different farms or regions, designed to create a balanced or consistent flavor.
What is a light roast?
Beans roasted for a shorter time, preserving acidity, fruitiness, and origin characteristics.
What is a dark roast?
Beans roasted longer, producing bold, smoky, or chocolaty flavors with less perceived acidity.
Why do roasts taste different?
Roast level changes sugars, acids, and oils in beans, shaping flavor balance.
How is espresso different from coffee?
Espresso uses pressure, short brew time, and a fine grind; drip or pour-over coffee uses gravity and longer brewing.
What is crema on espresso?
A golden foam layer made of emulsified oils, gas, and coffee compounds.
What is drip coffee?
Coffee brewed by letting hot water flow through ground coffee in a filter.
What is pour-over coffee?
A manual drip method where you pour hot water over coffee grounds in a cone-shaped filter.
What is French press?
An immersion brewer where coffee steeps in water before being pressed through a mesh filter.
What is cold brew?
Coffee brewed with cold or room-temperature water for many hours, creating a concentrate that is then diluted for a smooth, less acidic drink.
How is iced coffee different from cold brew?
Iced coffee is hot coffee chilled and served over ice; cold brew is brewed cold from the start.
What grind size should I use?
Coarse for French press, medium for drip, fine for espresso.
Why grind fresh?
Fresh grinding preserves aroma and flavor by reducing oxidation.
How should I store coffee?
In an airtight container, away from light, heat, and moisture.
Should I keep coffee in the fridge or freezer?
No, fridges and freezers can add moisture and odors; coffee should only be frozen in sealed portions if storing very long-term.
Does decaf taste different?
Yes, processes can slightly change flavor, but good decaf can still be tasty.
How much caffeine is in coffee?
A typical 12 oz cup has about 100–200 mg, depending on brew and bean.
Which has more caffeine, espresso or drip?
Espresso has more caffeine per ounce, but drip coffee has more overall per cup/serving.
How hot should water be for brewing?
Around 195–205 °F (90–96 °C).
What is a coffee ratio?
The balance of coffee to water, often about 1:15–1:17 by weight for drip.
Why does coffee taste bitter?
Over-extraction, water that’s too hot, or very dark roasts can cause bitterness.
Why does coffee taste sour?
Under-extraction or too-coarse grind can leave acidity unbalanced.
What’s the “bloom” in coffee brewing?
When hot water hits fresh grounds, releasing CO₂ and bubbling.
What is macchiato?
Espresso “stained” with a small amount of milk or foam.
What is americano?
Espresso diluted with hot water to resemble brewed coffee strength.
What are tasting notes?
Descriptors of flavors you might notice, like chocolate, berry, or citrus.
Why does origin matter?
Climate, soil, and altitude create distinct flavor profiles.
What is fair trade coffee?
Coffee certified to meet standards for fair prices and working conditions.
What is specialty coffee?
Coffee scoring 80+ points on quality scales, judged for flavor, aroma, and defects.
What’s the difference between fresh and stale coffee?
Fresh coffee has vibrant aroma and flavor; stale coffee tastes flat or cardboard-like.
How long does coffee stay fresh?
About 2–4 weeks after roasting if stored well.
Why do some bags have valves?
To release CO₂ from fresh beans while keeping oxygen out.
What is a peaberry?
A single round bean that forms when only one seed develops in a cherry.
Why do baristas weigh coffee?
To brew consistently using precise ratios.
Can I reuse coffee grounds?
Reusing grounds makes weak, unpleasant coffee.
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