One of the most talked-about topics in coffee conversations in recent years is artisan coffee. So, what exactly is artisan coffee? Is it a concrete approach that signifies quality, or does it simply refer to an approach similar to "handmade"? In this article, we will answer all these questions.
What Does Artisan Coffee Mean?
Artisan coffee is a term given to a generally small-scale and quality-focused approach that emphasizes the "craft" side of coffee, where all steps from bean selection to roasting, grinding to brewing, are handled with meticulous care.
The artisan approach often intertwines with "specialty coffee." However, they are not exactly the same thing. This approach is not like a standard certification either. It expresses more of a philosophy. This philosophy requires treating coffee more as a craft product that demands skill and detail, rather than a mass-produced item.
At this point, one important issue is that the term "Artisan" has started to be used extensively for marketing purposes. In other words, just because "artisan" is written on the package does not make it truly "artisan" coffee or high-end coffee. Let's get to the characteristics of artisan coffee.
What Are the Characteristics of Artisan Coffee?
When you think of artisan coffee, the first things that should come to mind are: small-batch roasting, importance of the bean's story, profile development, precise recipes for brewing, and focusing on the coffee experience.
Three things distinguish artisan coffee from others: intent, process, and transparency.
- Freshness: Roasting coffee in small batches is one of the defining characteristics of artisan coffee. This ensures freshness is always maintained. Remember, coffee's aroma dissipates over time.
- Traceability: In this coffee philosophy, there is transparent information about the coffee. You can find information such as the country, region, farm, cooperative, altitude, varietal, processing method, and roast date of the coffee.
- Brewing Precision: In this coffee, the experience doesn't end with the bean. All stages, from grinding thickness to water temperature, ratio, and duration, are valuable. For this reason, artisan coffee generally becomes much better with good equipment and the right recipe.
- Flavor Profile: In the artisan philosophy, there is a focus on the flavor profile. The character of the bean is tried to be brought to the forefront in the coffee. Floral, fruity, caramel, spice, hazelnut, chocolate… whatever flavors are present are revealed.
Differences Between Specialty Coffee and Artisan Coffee
Specialty coffee is a holistic definition determined by the Specialty Coffee Association (SCA). This definition includes distinguishing characteristics, consistency, value chain, and cupping score.
To draw a clear distinction; specialty coffee is related to the quality of the bean and its evaluation system. Artisan coffee, on the other hand, is concerned with the way coffee is processed and presented.
Quick Comparison Table
|
Criterion |
Artisan Coffee |
Specialty Coffee |
|
"What does it describe?" |
Craft approach and process |
Bean quality grade + evaluation approach |
|
Focus |
Roasting, brewing, experience, detail |
Sensory quality, defect/standardization, value chain |
|
Official standard |
No clear/single official standard |
There are frameworks and protocols from organizations like SCA |
|
Can they be together? |
Yes, often |
Yes—specialty beans with an artisan presentation are very common |
In short, not every specialty coffee is artisan, just as not every artisan coffee has to be specialty. However, in a good experience, the two are often found in the same cup.
Conclusion
Artisan coffee is a philosophy that involves small-batch roasting, stands out for its precise recipes, and focuses on the experience. This philosophy treats the coffee experience almost like a craft. If you are looking for such coffees, you need to look in the right place. Unfortunately, not every package that says "artisan" carries these qualities.
If you want to combine your specialty coffee with artisan coffee and have an amazing experience, Brazilian coffee might be exactly what you're looking for. Remember that all products in our coffee collection are specialty, and place your order now.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are artisan coffee and third-wave coffee the same?
While not exactly the same, they are closely related concepts. Third-wave coffee is a culture that treats coffee as an experience, while artisan coffee is the practical reflection of this culture.
Is artisan coffee more expensive?
It is often more expensive than mass-produced coffees. This is due to small-batch production, selective sourcing, and labor costs.
