What is the SCA score for specialty coffee?

Specialty coffee has become a standard for coffee enthusiasts who are always looking for new tastes, composition, aroma and, of course, aftertaste. At the heart of this standard is the SCA Score, a rating system created by the Specialty Coffee Association. This score helps classify and identify the best quality coffee. In this blog we’ll break down what the SCA score is, how it’s determined, and why it’s so important to coffee lovers.

What is the SCA score?

The SCA score is a standardized rating system used to measure the quality of specialty coffee. Coffee experts use a scale of 0 to 100 to evaluate different characteristics of coffee, such as aroma, taste, acidity, body and aftertaste. Coffee that scores at least 80 points is considered a specialty. In theory, the higher the score, the higher the quality of the coffee.

The grading process is carried out by certified tasters, known as Q Graders, who evaluate each coffee sample using a rigorous protocol called «cupping». Each characteristic of the coffee is assigned a score from 6 to 10, the points are then added to obtain the final score. Here are the main attributes evaluated:

• Aroma: The smell of coffee, both before and after preparation;
• Acidity: The level of freshness and intensity of the taste, which can vary from subtle to intense;
• Body: The consistency and weight of the coffee in the mouth;
• Taste: Clarity and complexity of aromas;
• Aftertaste: The quality and duration of taste that remains after swallowing.

Each sample is scored based on these attributes and the final score represents the overall quality of the coffee.

Coffee classification based on SCA score

Depending on the score obtained, coffee can be classified into different categories:

• 80-84 points: Basic specialty coffee with a clear aromatic profile and distinctive characteristics;
• 85-89 points: Higher quality coffee, with more complex aromas and a richer tasting experience;
• 90+ points: Coffee of exceptional quality, rare and highly appreciated for its complexity of flavors and perfect balance.

Advantages for producers

A high SCA score can bring many benefits to coffee producers. Specialty coffee attracts higher market prices, which encourages farmers to invest in quality, sustainable farming practices. Additionally, a good score helps promote farms and create a trusted brand in the coffee industry.

Myths and misconceptions about the SCA score

While a high SCA score is a good indicator of quality, not all coffees with lower scores taste inferior to all consumers. Personal preferences play an important role, sometimes a coffee with a lower score may be preferred by some people for its distinctive profile or roasting style. While the SCA score is a recognized standard for coffee quality, it is important to note that there are many small farms that grow absolutely excellent coffees but have not been officially rated. Due to limited financial resources, these companies cannot afford to go through the rigorous and expensive process of obtaining an SCA score. But that doesn’t mean their coffee isn’t of exceptional quality.

Many of these farms are dedicated to sustainable farming practices and grow coffee with the same passion and attention to detail as larger producers. So, even if a coffee doesn’t have an official rating, it can still provide an authentic and valuable taste experience.

How can you choose your coffee based on your SCA score?

To make the best choice, consider:

• Looking for a score of at least 80 points to make sure you drink a special coffee.
• Choosing a score of 85-89 points if you want a coffee with complex flavors and an intense tasting experience.
• Opt for 90+ points for an exceptional coffee with a unique and complex aromatic profile.

How can you improve your specialty coffee experience?

To get the best experience, make sure the brewing method is suitable for the type of coffee and roast profile you choose. Experiment with different brewing methods, such as V60, AeroPress or espresso machine, to discover how the flavors of your coffee are best expressed.

Conclusion

Although the SCA score is a recognized standard for evaluating coffee quality, there are many small farms that grow excellent coffees but do not have access to the financial resources to obtain an official score. These farms focus on sustainable farming practices and produce quality beans with the same passion and attention to detail as large producers. Even though they don’t have an SCA score, their coffee can provide an authentic and valuable experience, proving that true quality isn’t always defined by a formal rating.