Differences & Coffee Classification

The differences between standard coffee, gourmet coffee, and specialty coffee lie in aspects such as quality, the production process, and the standards used to classify them:

1. Specialty Coffee

  • This is the highest level of quality recognized by organizations such as the SCA (Specialty Coffee Association).
  • The beans are carefully grown under optimal conditions and evaluated by expert cuppers.
  • To be considered specialty, the coffee must score 80 points or more on a scale of 100.
  • It offers unique and complex flavor profiles, standing out for its traceability, ethical production, and sustainability.

Colibrije Coffee is ranked between 88 and 93 points

2. Gourmet Coffee

  • Represents a higher level of quality compared to standard coffee.
  • Usually comes from selected beans and more careful roasting processes.
  • Has a more refined flavor profile, but does not necessarily meet the strict requirements of specialty coffee.
  • Focuses on offering a superior experience, but its evaluation is less rigorous.

3. Norma Coffee

  • Generally refers to standard or commercial coffee
  • May include beans of different qualities, blended to keep costs low
  • Growing and processing methods are more basic, prioritizing quantity over quality
  • It is easily found in supermarkets and has a uniform but less complex flavor