FAQ
What is specialty coffee?
Specialty coffee refers to high-quality coffee beans that Q-Graders score 80 points or higher on a 100-point scale set by the Specialty Coffee Association (SCA). These beans are carefully grown, processed, and roasted to highlight their unique flavors.
How is specialty coffee graded?
Green coffee beans are inspected for defects and size by the Q-Grading process. After roasting, the coffee is evaluated through "cupping," where experts assess aroma, flavor, body, acidity, and aftertaste. A score is then assigned based on these attributes.
Where does specialty coffee come from?
Specialty coffee is sourced from various regions worldwide, including Indonesia (Sumatra and Bali), East Africa, South America, Mexico and other parts of the world. Each region imparts distinct flavors to the beans.
What types of beans are used in specialty coffee?
The most common types are Arabica and Robusta. Arabica beans are preferred for specialty coffee due to their complex flavors and lower bitterness.
Is Specialty Grade coffee good for your health?
Yes! The FDA qualifies coffee consumption is association with reduced risk of conditions such as Type 2 diabetes, Parkinson’s disease, and liver disease. This recognition underscores what coffee lovers have known all along—coffee can be both enjoyable and good for you. Moreover, the health potential of coffee is often influenced by its quality, and that’s where Q Grading plays a pivotal role. Coffees that receive high Q Scores (above 80) are not only more flavorful but also more likely to retain beneficial antioxidants and natural compounds due to better sourcing and processing methods. As the FDA begins to formally acknowledge coffee's health contributions, the emphasis on specialty-grade, Q-rated beans ensures consumers are getting the most out of each cup—both in taste and in wellness.
What makes specialty coffee different from regular coffee?
Specialty coffee is scored 80+ on a 100-point scale by certified tasters and involves:
- High-quality Arabica beans
- Traceable origins
- Ethical sourcing
- Meticulous roasting and brewing It’s about flavor, transparency, and sustainability
What’s the difference between Arabica and Robusta coffee?
Arabica: Smoother, sweeter, with notes of fruit and sugar. Less caffeine.
Robusta: Stronger, more bitter, often with earthy or nutty flavors. More caffeine and commonly used in instant coffee or espresso blends for added crema and strength.
Can Your Coffee Be Traced To The Farm It Was Grown?
Absolutely, please check out the Farms page! All our single origin coffee and blends can be traced to the very farm they were grown!
Does Emotive Coffee Offer Organic And FairTrade Coffee?
We are currently not Organic or FairTrade Certified, but All Our Coffee Is Ethically Sourced And Fairly Traded.
However, all our coffee is Fairly traded coffee, sourced from developing countries under ethical conditions, ensuring farmers receive fair pay, safe working conditions, and stable prices that often exceed market averages. This movement aims to empower producers, prevent unethical practices, and promote sustainability.
Can I Buy Emotive Coffee In Stores?
Currently, Emotive Coffee not available for purchase in retail stores. We pride ourselves on being an online coffee company, providing specialty grade coffee. In additionally, your coffee is roasted on demand for maximum freshness. It is also available at local farmers markets and events
Does Emotive Coffee Do Its Own Roasting?
We currently do not. We have partnered with an expert roast team in SoCal. An FDA compliant facility. Gavin, and his expert team average 1600 hours a year of roasting = consistency. They (the roast team) roast in frequent small batches to ensure your coffee is at peak quality when it ships. The roasting schedule is guided by customer demand, not warehouse inventory. They use Ikawa sample roasters, to develop the perfect roast profile for each lot before transferring it to their 10 & 15KG drum roasters. This meticulous process guarantees that each batch of coffee delivers its unique flavor characteristics.
Do you have a low acid coffee?
We tend to avoid broad claims like "low acid coffee" because everyone’s body is unique. What feels gentle on one person’s stomach may not for someone else, depending on individual health needs and sensitivities.
The brewing method, water temperature, grind size, and even your water source (especially mineral content and pH) can all influence the final acidity of your cup. For example, cold brew tends to yield a less acidic result than hot pour-over.
What’s the best way to brew coffee at home?
It really comes down to what you enjoy and how you live. If you like a rich, full-bodied cup, a French press is a great choice. Prefer something cleaner and more delicate? Go with a pour-over. If you’re short on time, a drip machine or pod system keeps things simple. And if you’re chasing bold, concentrated flavor, an espresso machine or AeroPress will get you there.
The real answer: try a few methods and stick with the one that makes you look forward to your next cup.
What grind size should you use for different brewing methods?
Getting the grind right makes a big difference in how your coffee tastes. Here’s a simple breakdown:
- Coarse – best for French press and cold brew
- Medium-coarse – ideal for Chemex
- Medium – works well with drip coffee makers and longer AeroPress brews
- Fine – great for pour-over and quicker AeroPress methods
- Extra fine – used for espresso and Moka pots
- Ultra-fine (powder-like) – for Turkish coffee
Dialing in your grind helps you avoid bitter or weak coffee—so it’s worth getting right.
What do roast levels actually mean—and which one should you pick?
Roast level shapes how your coffee tastes in the cup:
- Light roast – bright, lively, and more acidic, with flavors that reflect where the coffee was grown
- Medium roast – smooth and balanced, with a mix of acidity and body (a go-to for most people)
- Dark roast – bold, deep, and smoky, with lower acidity and a heavier feel
The best choice comes down to your taste, not caffeine myths—light roasts typically keep slightly more caffeine than dark roasts.
How should I store coffee beans to keep them fresh?
Keep beans in an airtight container away from light, heat, moisture, and air. Avoid the fridge or freezer (unless freezing long-term in vacuum-sealed bags). Use beans within 2–4 weeks of opening for optimal flavor.
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Cold Brew vs. Iced Coffee: What’s the Difference?
Not all cold coffee is created equal.
Cold brew is brewed cold—from start to finish. Coarse-ground beans steep in cold water for 12 to 24 hours, resulting in a smooth, low-acid cup with natural sweetness and a mellow finish. It’s less bitter, more forgiving, and perfect for sipping straight, adding your favorite flavored syrup, or mixing with milk
Iced coffee starts hot—it’s brewed just like your morning cup, then chilled over ice. It’s brighter, often more acidic, and has a faster prep time. Great when you want something quick with a little bite.
Cold brew is slow, smooth, and low-acid. Iced coffee is fast, bright, and classic.
For a chill cup with all-day drinkability, we’re team cold brew.
What is nitro cold brew and how is it different?
Nitro Cold Brew…is cold-extracted coffee infused with nitrogen gas. It pours with a creamy texture and cascading effect—no dairy or sweeteners, just coffee and nitrogen. Nitro is typically served cold and not diluted.
Can I heat up cold brew coffee?
Yes…cold brew coffee can be heated and still maintain its smooth, low-acid profile. It’s a great option if you want a hot cup without the bitterness of traditional hot brewing.
Is there a decaf cold brew coffee option?
Yes…our Peru Decaf, offers the same smooth, slow-steeped flavor as regular cold brew coffee, just without the caffeine.