Grade 1: Specialty Coffee Beans
This is the highest grade awarded to coffee beans, typically reserved for specialty coffee beans that are virtually flawless. These beans have no risk of insect damage, and if there are any defects, they are minimal—no more than three full defects are acceptable.
During cupping, these beans should exhibit distinct characteristics in taste, acidity, body, or aroma and must be free from any cup faults or taints. Additionally, to qualify as specialty coffee beans, they must not contain any Quakers, which are beans that are unripe or improperly roasted.