The Specialty Coffee Association (SCA) is a trade association build on foundations of openness, inclusivity, and the power of shared knowledge. Their mission is to engage, inspire, and expand a sustainable global specialty coffee community through leadership in events, education, and research. From coffee farmers to roasters and baristas, their membership spans the globe, encompassing every element of the coffee value chain. Drawing on years of insights and inspiration from the community, the SCA acts as a unifying force within the specialty coffee industry. They are working to make coffee better by raising standards worldwide through a collaborative and progressive approach, building an industry that is far, sustainable, and nuturing for all. Originally founded as the Specialty Coffee Association of America in 1982 to establish a common forum to discuss issues and quality standards for specialty coffee, they merged with the Speciality Coffee Association of Europe (formed in 1998) in 2016 to create a global network for coffee professionals. 

Whilst that is all well and good, what exactly is Specialty Coffee? Would you prefer potatoes dauphinoise or instant smash? This question may seem silly, but it highlights the core principle behind specialty coffee. More care, more effort, more quality control = better tasting coffee. All the way down the production line from growing the plants, to sorting the beans, processing, and shipping through to roasting, as much care and attention as possible has been given to ensure that the beans are the highest quality they can possibly be. When a crop is ready to ship, samples are sent to Q graders (qualified Quality Graders) to evaluate, and score based on 10 different metrics. Ranging from sensory experience, bean quality and defect evaluation, Q graders will score each out of 10. If it has a final score above 80, it is specialty coffee! Whilst high-scoring coffees are beautiful and can have diverse and complex flavours, do not assume that the highest scoring one is going to the best coffee for you, here at Wogan Coffee we like to tailor your coffee experience to the flavours that you enjoy and want to drink again and again. What it is most beneficial for, in our opinion, is letting you know that the coffee you’re buying is of a certain base quality and never dipping below that standard.