Whether you’re frothing a cappuccino at home or starting your day with a strong double shot: espresso is the beginning of everything for many coffee lovers. But when you hear about specialty coffee, you might think: is that just espresso with a fancy name?

The answer: sometimes yes, but usually not just that.

Espresso is a brewing method, not a type of coffee

Let’s start with the basics: espresso is not a type of bean, but a way of brewing.
With espresso, hot water is forced under high pressure through finely ground coffee. This creates that intense, concentrated flavor with a beautiful crema layer.

Specialty coffee, on the other hand, refers to the quality of the bean itself, from plant to cup. It’s about perfectly grown, carefully processed, and freshly roasted coffee that scores at least 80 points on the Specialty Coffee Association scale.

So: espresso = how you brew it.
Specialty coffee = what you brew.

You can brew specialty coffee as espresso or filter

The magic of specialty coffee is that you can experience its flavor in different ways. Brew it as espresso, and you taste an intense, balanced shot full of character. Brew it as filter coffee, and you discover subtlety and fruity nuances.

At Koffie Kenner you’ll find both worlds: specialty coffee specially roasted for espresso, but also light roasts for filter coffee. Everything is freshly roasted and tailored to the way you prefer to drink coffee.

And yes, even espressos can be specialty, as long as the bean and roast are top quality.

Why espresso-specialty is so special

Espresso is a bit like the stress test of coffee. Due to the high pressure and short brewing time, every flaw is mercilessly exposed.
A bad bean tastes bitter or sharp, while a good specialty espresso is soft, creamy, and layered. You taste notes of chocolate, red fruit, or nuts, without it being overwhelming.

That’s why many specialty roasters specifically work on espresso roasts: roasted a bit darker so the coffee maintains its balance under pressure, but with the natural complexity preserved.

Filter vs. espresso – what suits you?

• Espresso: intense, powerful, concentrated, ideal for cappuccino or flat white.

• Filter: clear, soft, fruity, perfect for sipping slowly.

It’s not a matter of better or worse, but of taste style.
And the best specialty coffees are versatile enough to shine in both worlds.

So… is specialty coffee espresso?

Not necessarily, but it can be. Specialty refers to the quality of the bean, espresso to the way you prepare it. Combine the two, and you might get the best of both worlds: an espresso that is not only powerful but also refined and full of character.