What do the scores 80+, 85+, and 88+ mean for coffee?
In the world of specialty coffee, scores of 80+, 85+, and 88+ have become essential benchmarks for evaluating coffee quality. At Terres de Café, we consider these indicators to be fundamental in guiding our selections and ensuring a cup experience that meets our high standards.
Understanding what the 80+, 85+, and 88+ scores mean for coffees allows you to better appreciate a coffee’s aromatic richness, its balance, as well as the work of the producer and the terroir.
Discover, for example, our selection of coffees to explore these different levels of quality.
The scoring system for specialty coffee
Coffee grading is based on a rigorous protocol established by the SCA (Specialty Coffee Association), now considered the international standard for specialty coffee.
Each lot is evaluated during a professional cupping based on several criteria: aromas, acidity, body, sweetness, texture, cup cleanliness, and balance.
Each score contributes to a final score out of 100, which reflects the coffee’s overall quality, its origin, altitude, variety, and the precision of the producer’s work.
At Terres de Café, this standard is upheld by three certified Q Graders—an international certification guaranteeing expertise in sensory evaluation:
- Michael Loos, our coffee roaster
- Jordan Tachnakian, Director of Quality and Training
Their expertise allows them to evaluate each coffee using a rigorous and consistent sensory approach.
A score of 80+: the gateway to quality
A coffee with a score of 80+ (80 to 84.99), classified as “Very Good Coffee,” falls into the specialty coffee category.
This means a clean cup with a good aftertaste, no major defects and very few minor defects, good balance in the cup, and accessible aromas ranging from simple to complex.
This type of coffee is an excellent introduction to specialty coffee, with a lovely smoothness and balanced structure. It lends itself equally well to espresso extraction and gentle brewing methods for the best results.
Find it in our 80+ selection
A score of 85+: the excellence of the terroirs
With scores of 85 or higher, these coffees are classified as “Exceptional Coffees”; they fully express their terroir and the meticulousness of their production. They gain in aromatic complexity, and their key attributes—smoothness, fruitiness, and floral notes—become more intense.
They are distinguished by a more intense acidity, a very pleasant body, a clear expression of their terroir of origin, and great finesse in the cup.
Each lot reveals a unique sensory profile, influenced by the processing method and growing conditions, particularly altitude.
Suitable for Espresso and Gentle Brewing Methods
Find them in our 85+ selection
A score of 88+: an absolute rarity for enthusiasts
We classify 88+ coffees as “Grand Crus.” In our view, they represent the pinnacle of global coffee production. They reflect a specific region, a particular vintage, and impeccable production techniques.
Sourced from nano or micro-lots grown at high altitudes, these coffees offer great aromatic complexity, a silky texture, a remarkable balance between sweetness and intensity, and a lingering, captivating finish.
Every tasting becomes a complete sensory experience, where each aroma is perfectly defined.
Suitable for Espresso and Soft Brewing Methods
Find them in our 88+ selection
90+ Légendes
These coffees are unique nano-lots, representing the pinnacle of global production, sourced from the finest preserved terroirs and the most discerning farms and producers. They exhibit great complexity in their fruity and floral aromas, with silky, subtle bodies, and offer a rich aromatic evolution as they cool from hot to cold.
Ideal for espresso and gentle brewing methods
Why do these scores influence your decision?
The score serves as a reliable guide for choosing a coffee.
A quality indicator
A high score guarantees a flawless cup that meets SCA standards.
An insight into the flavor profile
It helps predict the level of complexity, balance, and flavor richness.
A guide to choosing the right extraction method
Some profiles are better suited to espresso, while others are better suited to filter brewing.
Recognition of the producer’s work
Each score reflects the producer’s commitment and the quality of the work carried out at every stage.
Where can you find coffee shops with these quality ratings?
At Terres de Café, we carefully select each coffee based on these criteria.
We pay particular attention to:
- the origin and terroir
- the quality of the lots
- the precision of the roast
Explore our collections:
FAQ: Your Questions About Coffee Ratings
Can a coffee's score change over time?
Yes. The score may vary depending on the harvest.
Is an 88+ coffee necessarily better than an 80+?
Not necessarily, since taste is a subjective matter. It all depends on personal preferences regarding acidity, body, or sweetness. Based on objective criteria related to the coffee’s attributes, the higher the score, the better the coffee.
Who decides the final grade of a coffee?
Q Grade-certified tasters follow a strict protocol established by the SCA, ensuring reliable scoring.
Do all coffee shops have an SCA score?
This rating system is designed to determine whether a coffee qualifies as a specialty coffee. However, it is possible to rate coffees using this standard that do not qualify as specialty coffees.
Conclusion
Understanding what the 80+, 85+, and 88+ scores for coffee mean allows you to appreciate the full richness of coffee and make more informed choices. Behind each score lies meticulous work, from bean to cup, driven by dedicated producers and tasting experts.
At Terres de Café, we incorporate an ecological dimension into our selection—a crucial factor for the preservation of the coffee farming industry. This commitment guides every selection we make, ensuring we offer exceptional coffees, crafted at their source.
