What is SCA scoring and how is it calculated?
In the world of specialty coffee, a score above 80 is often presented as a guarantee of quality. But what does this rating really mean? Who awards it, based on what criteria, and how is it calculated? Discovering the Specialty Coffee Association's (SCA) rating system is a great way to understand the international standards that define specialty coffee.
SCA scoring: a standardized evaluation grid
The Specialty Coffee Association has developed a precise scoring system for evaluating coffee quality. This system, called the "SCA Cupping Form," assigns a score out of 100 by adding together various sensory criteria. Each criterion is scored between 6 and 10, in 0.25-point increments, and the final sum produces the overall score.
The criteria evaluated
SCA scoring is based on ten main elements:
- Scent and aroma (dry and after infusion)
- The flavor
- The aftertaste
- Acidity
- The body
- Uniformity
- The balance
- The cleanliness of the cup
- The sweetness
- The overall impression
Each cup is tasted multiple times, usually five cups per batch, to ensure consistency. If a major defect is detected, the final score is automatically disqualified.
The rating thresholds
Depending on the final score obtained, the coffee is classified into a category:
- Less than 80 points: coffee not qualified for specialty coffee
- 80 to 84.99 points: “Very Good” specialty
- 85 to 89.99 points: “Excellent” specialty
- 90 points or more: “Outstanding” specialty
The higher the score, the more complex, balanced, clean and expressive the coffee is perceived to be.
A sensory rating, but within a framework
SCA scoring relies on trained tasters who can accurately identify and quantify sensory characteristics. This protocol seeks to limit subjectivity by relying on standards: tasting temperature, quantity of coffee, water weight, brewing method, and controlled environment.
Why is this score important?
SCA scoring is used throughout the specialty coffee industry: when purchasing green batches, in international competitions, and to communicate coffee quality to roasters and consumers. This score guarantees a globally recognized assessment, allowing coffees to be compared using a common language.
Conclusion
The SCA score isn't just a number: it's the result of rigorous professional tasting. It reflects a coffee's aromatic potential and balance, while ensuring international recognition of its quality. Behind each score lies a precise protocol and trained tasters, who guarantee the excellence of specialty coffee.
And if you want to understand the difference between natural coffee and organic coffee, read our article which will enlighten you on these two concepts.
