What is speciality coffee and why does it matter?

At York Emporium, our speciality coffee collection is where the real flavour adventure begins. Nestled neatly between our House Collection and the rare treasures of the Roaster’s Reserve, these coffees rotate seasonally.

This is exceptional coffee that has been carefully sourced with unique flavour profiles. Just enough intrigue to make your tastebuds sit up and take notice.

Here’s what makes them special.

It all starts with the source

Speciality coffee is all about the bean, where it’s grown, how it’s handled, and the flavour it brings to the cup.

Our Speciality Collection features coffees from single farms, smallholder co-operatives, and unique regions where care and craft are part of the daily routine. Unlike blends, these aren’t mass-produced but grown for depth, character, and complexity.

You’ll taste it: fruit notes that surprise you, gentle acidity, natural sweetness. The kind of flavours that don’t need syrups or sugars to shine.

Freshness is everything

Freshly roasted coffee simply behaves better. It blooms properly, brews more cleanly, and delivers fuller flavour with less bitterness, especially if you’re using a filter, French Press, or espresso machine at home.

Flavour you can taste

When we say a coffee tastes like green apple or black cherry, we don’t mean it’s been meddled with. It has no added syrups or flavourings. Flavour like that comes naturally, shaped by where it’s grown, how it’s processed, and the way we roast it. It's all part of the magic.

Here are a few characterful examples from our Speciality Collection:

• Brazil Fermentado – Naturally fermented for a juicy, tropical brew with raspberry and green apple notes

• Colombia Papayo – Sweet, vibrant and beautifully balanced, with grapefruit, kiwi and citrus zest

• Rwanda Ruli – Delicately floral and clean, ideal for slow, gentle morning brews

Each coffee brings its own personality to the cup.

So, what makes it ‘speciality’?

To us, “speciality” means:

Single origin – traceable to one region, sometimes a single farm
Rotating seasonally – only available when conditions are right and flavour is exceptional
Expressive flavour – not just “coffee flavour” but real character in every cup
Freshly roasted – usually to a light or medium profile that highlights natural notes
Carefully handled – from farm to roaster to your mug, quality is never rushed

It’s coffee that invites you to slow down and taste. And it might just change how you think about your daily brew.

Why is speciality coffee important?

Using great beans at home isn’t just about prestige, it’s about better results, with minimal effort.

Whether you’re pulling a morning espresso or brewing a French Press for two, speciality coffee makes a difference in:

Flavour clarity – you’ll taste the notes
Balance – less bitterness, more sweetness
Versatility – works well black or with milk
Enjoyment – because when coffee tastes good, you drink it differently

Ready to try speciality coffee?

Our Speciality Coffee Collection is the perfect place to start if you want to explore new origins, discover seasonal flavour, and brew better coffee at home.

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