Our rare specialty coffees

Tony the Donkey doesn’t just bray for any beans. We source the world’s most exquisite, small-batch coffees, meticulously selecting micro and nano lots that will tantalize the taste buds of true connoisseurs. These beans are classified as specialty coffee, the pinnacle of coffee quality as defined by the Specialty Coffee Association (SCA). The SCA is the leading organization setting standards for exceptional coffee. Their rigorous scoring system, based on cupping (professional tasting), evaluates each coffee for factors like aroma, flavor, acidity, balance, and cleanliness. To achieve specialty coffee status, beans must score between 85 and 90 points on this 100-point scale. Our Tony the Donkey coffees, sourced from the rarest micro and nano lots, consistently achieve these exceptional scores, guaranteeing you not just exclusivity, but a cup that is as refined and unique.

Coffee beans with a Specialty Coffee Association (SCA) score of 85-90 are considered to be of very high quality and are typically described with terms that highlight their exceptional characteristics. Here’s how you might describe them:

  1. Flavor Profile: Coffees in this range often boast complex and well-defined flavor profiles. They may exhibit notes of fruits, florals, chocolates, nuts, and spices, with a balanced and nuanced taste.
  2. Aroma: The aroma of these coffees is typically vibrant and enticing, often described as floral, fruity, or with subtle hints of spices.
  3. Acidity: They usually have a bright acidity that adds liveliness to the cup, without being overpowering. This acidity is often described as crisp or lively.
  4. Body: The body of these coffees tends to be medium to full-bodied, with a smooth and creamy mouthfeel that enhances the overall drinking experience.
  5. Finish: They have a clean and lingering finish, leaving a pleasant aftertaste that showcases their quality and complexity.
  6. Overall Impression: These coffees are sought after by enthusiasts and professionals alike for their exceptional quality, balance, and depth of flavor. They represent the pinnacle of specialty coffee and are often enjoyed by those who appreciate the finer nuances of coffee tasting.

In summary, coffees scoring between 85-90 by the SCA are characterized by their complex flavors, vibrant aromas, balanced acidity, smooth body, and memorable finish, making them highly desirable among coffee connoisseurs.

The Specialty Coffee Association (SCA) uses a 100-point scale to evaluate coffee, with higher scores indicating higher quality. Here’s a breakdown of the scoring and what it means:

Below 80 points: These coffees are considered below specialty grade and may have defects or be less complex in flavor.

80 points and above: This is considered specialty coffee. These coffees are generally well-balanced, free of defects, and have a complex flavor profile.

90 points and above: These are exceptional coffees with outstanding cup characteristics.

The SCA website has information about their cupping protocols and scoring system: [SCA cupping protocols ON Specialty Coffee Association sca.coffee]
This article explains what the SCA score of your coffee means: What does the SCA score of your coffee mean.

Q graders, short for “Quality Graders”, are essentially the coffee sommeliers of the industry. They are licensed professionals trained to objectively evaluate coffee for its various characteristics. Here’s a breakdown of their role:

Coffee Evaluation Experts: Q graders are highly skilled in sensory evaluation, particularly of green coffee beans (unroasted). They can identify a bean’s origin, quality, and even pinpoint defects.


Standardized Scoring: They use a standardized scoring system to assess coffee based on factors like aroma, flavor, acidity, body, and aftertaste. This system ensures consistency and clear communication across the coffee supply chain .


Industry Roles: Q graders play a crucial role in various sectors of the coffee industry. They can be found working as green coffee buyers, roasters, or traders, applying their expertise to select the best beans .


Overall, Q graders are key figures in ensuring coffee quality throughout the supply chain, from bean to cup. Their qualifications are well-respected within the industry, signifying in-depth knowledge and a refined palate.