(Score 80+) Very Good coffees

80+ SCA Score Coffee at Terres de Café

The SCA coffee score is used to assess the sensory quality of a coffee according to a range of criteria, including aroma, flavour, aftertaste, acidity, body, balance, uniformity and cleanliness. A coffee scoring 80 points or above on the 100-point scale is generally classified as specialty coffee.

At Terres de Café, our 80+ score coffee selection brings together carefully chosen origins that meet this specialty coffee threshold while offering excellent value for money. They are selected with the same attention to quality and artisanally roasted in the Paris region using the same expertise as the rest of our range.

How to Choose an 80+ Score Coffee

Choosing the right 80+ specialty coffee depends primarily on the flavour profile you enjoy, as well as the origin, processing method and story behind each lot.

• Dipilto Viejo: a terroir-driven coffee from Nicaragua, produced by Olman Valladerez and processed by Finca Buenos Aires using coffees sourced from several small farms. It produces a balanced cup with notes of dark chocolate and hazelnut.
• Fazendas: a Brazilian classic from Sul de Minas and Mogiana, blending two lots sourced through the producer network of Fazenda Ambiental Fortaleza. Expect a creamy cup with low perceived acidity and notes of chocolate, caramel and almond.
• Felix Project – Caranavi Organic: a coffee from Bolivia grown by Felix Chambi in a complex certified organic agroforestry system. The project supports both the protection of the region's coffee forests and local women coffee producers. Expect notes of caramel and intense dark chocolate.
• Altos de Bijao Estate Project Organic: a Colombian coffee from Santander, produced by Oscar Daza in a complex certified organic agroforestry system. The project gives greater value to smaller coffee beans that would otherwise typically be sold at lower prices on the local market. Expect notes of red fruit and sugar cane.

These four coffees show that the 80+ SCA score is far more than a simple entry level: this category already offers considerable diversity in terms of origins, processing methods, flavour profiles and producer projects.

80+, 85+ and 88+ Coffee Scores: What's the Difference?

The SCA score provides an overall assessment of a coffee's sensory quality. Coffees receiving higher scores demonstrate increasingly high levels of quality across the criteria evaluated during professional tasting.

At Terres de Café, 80+ coffees offer an accessible introduction to specialty coffee and an excellent balance between quality and value. Our 85+ exceptional coffees take the sensory experience further, while our 88+ Grand Cru coffees represent some of the highest-scoring lots in our selection.

Higher-scoring coffees may also come from particularly distinctive varieties, terroirs or micro-lots, but rarity itself is not what determines the SCA score.

80+ Whole Bean or Ground Coffee: Which Format Should You Choose?

Whole bean coffee generally retains its aromatic qualities for longer than pre-ground coffee because grinding increases the surface area exposed to oxygen, accelerating oxidation and the evolution of volatile aromas.

If you have a coffee grinder, grinding only the amount you need immediately before brewing gives you greater control over both freshness and grind size.

Ground coffee, however, remains the most convenient option if you do not have a grinder or simply want coffee that is ready to brew. Our whole bean and ground coffee selections both include coffees from our 80+ score range.

How to Store 80+ Specialty Coffee

To preserve the aromatic qualities of your specialty coffee, keep it away from light, heat, moisture and significant temperature fluctuations.

Store your coffee in its original resealable bag or a suitable airtight container at a stable room temperature. For everyday storage, a cool, dry cupboard is generally preferable to the refrigerator, where repeated exposure to moisture and temperature changes can affect the coffee.

If you buy whole bean coffee, grind only the amount you need immediately before brewing to help preserve its aromatic qualities.

FAQ About 80+ SCA Score Coffee

What Does an 80+ Coffee Score Mean?

A coffee scoring 80 points or above on the 100-point sensory evaluation scale is generally considered specialty coffee. The evaluation takes into account several aspects of the cup, including aroma, flavour, aftertaste, acidity, body, balance, uniformity and cleanliness.

Is an 80+ Coffee Lower Quality Than an 85+ or 88+ Coffee?

An 80+ coffee is already a genuine specialty coffee. A higher score indicates a stronger overall sensory evaluation according to the criteria used during professional tasting, but this does not mean that an 80+ coffee cannot offer a distinctive and highly enjoyable flavour profile.

For many coffee drinkers, the 80+ category offers an excellent balance between quality, everyday enjoyment and value for money.

How Is a Coffee Score Calculated?

Coffee is professionally tasted and evaluated according to a standardised sensory protocol. Different aspects of the cup are assessed, including aroma, flavour, aftertaste, acidity, body, balance, uniformity and cleanliness, contributing to the coffee's overall score.

Are 80+ Coffees Available as Whole Bean and Ground Coffee?

Yes. Our 80+ score coffees are available across our whole bean and ground coffee selections, with different grind options available for ground coffee depending on your chosen brewing method.