What is specialty coffee?
Specialty coffee is the best the coffee world has to offer. It meets precise standards set by the Specialty Coffee Association (SCA), which assess both the quality of the bean and the care that goes into every cup.
To be classed as "specialty", a coffee has to meet four main criteria: a minimum cupping score of 80/100, fully traceable origin, no major defects and a controlled production process from harvest to roasting.
Beyond the numbers, specialty coffee stands out for its sensory qualities: balance, complexity, aromatic clarity and a long finish. It tastes of its terroir, not of an industrial process.
This approach also calls for transparency, sustainability and respect towards producers, nature and the people who drink it.
As a specialty coffee roaster, this is the vision of coffee we stand for: demanding, honest and deeply human.
SCA Score
Traceable origin
No major defects
Production process
Specialty coffee, the Chronic. way
At Chronic., specialty coffee is much more than a matter of hand-picked beans. It's a way of working, a mindset, an obsession with getting the flavour right. Each lot is selected for its quality, its origin and the passion behind it, then roasted with precision in our workshop to bring out all its complexity.
Our collection is split into three complementary worlds, three ways to enjoy specialty coffee.
- The permanent range is our signature coffees, the ones you come back to day after day without ever tiring of them.
- The seasonal range is living coffee, changing with each harvest and each new discovery.
- And the exceptional range is our playground, reserved for unique coffees and confidential micro-lots.
Three ranges, one promise: the best of specialty coffee, with high standards, freshness and respect in every cup.
Our seasonal range: specialty coffee at its most alive
Our seasonal range is specialty coffee at its most alive. With each harvest we select just a few bags, rare lots with unique flavour profiles. When they're gone, they're gone. Roasted in small batches, these coffees capture the moment and the richness of the terroirs of the season, so every cup is a fleeting discovery.
Our exceptional range: rare specialty coffees in ultra-limited editions
This is the haute couture of specialty coffee. Unique coffees, often produced in tiny quantities, with experimental processes or from legendary terroirs. "You taste these coffees once, and you remember them for a long time."
Our permanent range: the specialty coffee essentials
Signature coffees, available all year round. Balanced profiles, carefully developed by our roaster to please espresso lovers and filter fans alike. These are our timeless classics, the coffees you always come back to, the ones that define the DNA of Chronic.
The essentials to bring out the best in your specialty coffee
There are dozens of ways to drink your coffee, and none is better than another. What matters is finding the one that suits you. We'll explain everything, it's easy, promise. All that's left is to give it a go.
FAQ: all about specialty coffee
Specialty coffee is a meticulous process that starts at the source: the plantation.
The producers' role. Cooperatives and farms committed to specialty coffee involve their whole community to reach excellence. Why? Because specialty coffee sells for more, which lets them reinvest in their production techniques and, above all, in better living conditions for their workers.
Hand picking. Only perfectly ripe cherries are harvested, one by one. This strict selection guarantees top quality right from the start.
Processing and sorting. Washed, natural or honey: each method shapes the aromatic profile. Take the Zarza Geisha from Jhonatan Gasca in Colombia, naturally processed to bring out notes of passion fruit and orange. Learn more about Colombian coffee.
Artisan roasting. In our Swiss roastery, we tailor each roast profile to the lot to bring out the specific nuances of every origin.
Full traceability. Every coffee tells a story. Like the Janson family in Panama with their Geisha 929, or Luis Ernesto Nieto in Colombia with his Los Aguacates.
From terroir to your cup, with respect.
Specialty coffee is deeply committed to sustainable production. Here are some of the most common eco-friendly practices:
- Permaculture: crops are organised to mimic natural ecosystems, reducing environmental impact.
- Organic farming: no chemical pesticides are used, protecting both soil health and farm workers.
- Water management: efficient irrigation systems help minimise water use.
- Biodiversity: coffee trees grow alongside native plants and trees, maintaining ecological balance.
- Renewable energy: solar dryers and other green technologies reduce the carbon footprint.
These sustainable practices make specialty coffee a truly environmentally conscious choice.
Sustainability doesn’t stop at production: it extends to packaging and logistics. Many specialty roasters now use compostable or recyclable packaging to reduce waste. Some even adopt zero-waste approaches, using reusable bags or glass containers. On the logistics side, delivery routes are optimised to limit CO₂ emissions.
These initiatives show that specialty coffee isn’t just about an exceptional taste experience: it’s also a commitment to a greener future.
Strict selection, exceptional terroirs, sustainable practices, artisan roasting. Every step is designed to unlock the bean's full potential. It's pure craftsmanship: each bean reveals complex aromas you won't find anywhere else, far from standardised industrial coffee.
Yes, our exceptional coffees cost more than our classic range. Why? Because behind every cup there's a flawless quality chain. Producers are paid fairly for their meticulous work, and we roast each lot with a goldsmith's precision. These coffees earn high scores from international certification bodies.
The result? Full traceability, a positive impact for producers and, above all, a unique tasting experience. The price reflects this exceptional quality and this ethical chain.
Ordering coffee from us means joining an adventure that puts quality at the centre of everything. As passionate Swiss roasters, we help you choose and share our roasting secrets and brewing tips, so you get the most out of every bean and every cup shows its full aromatic potential.
To choose a real specialty coffee, you need to know how to read the label. Here is the key information to check:
- Origin: the producing country should be clearly stated.
- Altitude: growing altitude affects flavour, so look for precise details.
- Variety: the coffee variety (Arabica, Bourbon, etc.) gives clues about the aromatic profile.
- Certifications: organic or Fairtrade labels guarantee ethical, sustainable practices.
This information will help you make an informed choice and find the best specialty coffees.
Start with local roasters: passionate craftspeople, sharp selections and advice that actually helps.
We roast in our own workshop in Switzerland and deliver straight to your door (anywhere in Switzerland and Europe).
Independent coffee shops and their baristas are also worth a visit to try well-made coffee.
Coffee markets and festivals let you meet producers and roasters in person. You learn the story behind the bean and support local projects. No middlemen, no fluff.
