If you’ve ever browsed a bag of specialty coffee and noticed a number like “87.5” or “90+” printed on the label, you’ve come across a coffee cup score — a quality grading system that helps define how exceptional (or average) a coffee is.
But what does this score actually mean? Who decides it? And how does it help you as a coffee drinker?
Let’s explore the world of coffee scoring and why it plays such a crucial role in the specialty coffee industry.
What Is the Coffee Cup Score?
The coffee cup score is a number on a scale from 0 to 100 that reflects the quality of a coffee, based on a detailed sensory evaluation. This score is typically assigned by trained professionals called Q Graders, using standardized protocols created by the Specialty Coffee Association (SCA).
Only coffees that score 80 points or higher are considered “specialty grade.”
Who Assigns the Score?
Scores are assigned by licensed Q Graders, who are certified through rigorous training and exams. These professionals use their palate, experience, and a standardized cupping form to evaluate:
- Aroma
- Flavor
- Acidity
- Body
- Balance
- Sweetness
- Aftertaste
- Uniformity
- Clean cup
- Overall impression
Each characteristic is scored, and the combined total creates the final cup score.
How Is Coffee Cupped?
Cupping is a formal tasting process. Here’s how it works:
- Freshly roasted coffee is ground and placed in bowls.
- Hot water is poured directly over the grounds.
- The aroma is evaluated both dry (before water) and wet (after water).
- A crust of coffee grounds forms on top — it’s broken with a spoon to release aroma.
- After cooling, the coffee is slurped from a spoon to aerate it across the palate.
- Each category is judged and scored independently.
Cupping is done blindly to avoid bias — tasters don’t know the origin or brand.
What Do the Scores Mean?
| Score Range | Classification | Description |
|---|---|---|
| 90–100 | Outstanding | Rare, exceptional flavor, top-tier coffee |
| 85–89.99 | Excellent | High complexity, clean, sweet, distinctive |
| 80–84.99 | Very Good | Balanced, pleasant, meets specialty standard |
| Below 80 | Not Specialty Grade | May be commercial grade or defective |
A coffee scoring 87+ is usually limited edition or micro-lot and often priced at a premium. Coffees in the 90+ range are rare and celebrated — like the “grand crus” of the coffee world.
Why Does the Cup Score Matter?
For Coffee Buyers
It provides a consistent way to evaluate quality across regions and farms. Buyers use the score to:
- Decide which lots to purchase
- Set price tiers
- Communicate value to customers
For Farmers and Producers
Scoring gives producers feedback on how their coffee performs and where improvements can be made. Higher scores often mean:
- Higher prices
- More demand from roasters
- Recognition in competitions
Programs like the Cup of Excellence are built around cupping and scoring — winning coffees fetch record prices at auction.
For Consumers
Understanding cup scores helps you:
- Choose coffees based on your quality preferences
- Discover new origins or producers
- Make more informed purchases when shopping for specialty beans
Just like wine ratings, cup scores guide enthusiasts toward memorable and unique experiences.
Limitations of the Cup Score
While cup scoring is useful, it’s not everything. Here’s why:
- It’s still subjective, even with training and guidelines.
- A score doesn’t capture personal taste preferences (you might love a coffee that scores 84 more than one that scores 90).
- It doesn’t reflect other values like ethical sourcing, sustainability, or roasting style.
- Some amazing coffees may not be submitted for scoring due to cost or access barriers.
So while the score is helpful, it should be just one factor in your decision — not the only one.
How to Find Cup Scores
Not all roasters publish cup scores, but many do — especially those that work with microlots or direct trade relationships. Look for:
- Roasters who mention Q-Grader scores
- Coffees featured in competitions or auctions
- Specialty cafés or online stores that detail cupping results
You can also find scores on platforms like:
- Cup of Excellence
- Alliance for Coffee Excellence
- Green coffee importers’ websites (for home roasters)
Final Sip: A Deeper Appreciation
The coffee cup score isn’t just a number — it represents the work, skill, and passion behind every bean. It gives you insight into how exceptional a coffee really is, and helps connect you to the people who made it possible.
Whether you’re chasing a rare 90+ microlot or just looking for a solid 84-point daily brew, understanding the score helps you appreciate coffee not just as a beverage — but as an art form.
Gabriel Rodrigues is a coffee enthusiast, cultural researcher, and writer who specializes in exploring the intersection of history, society, and gastronomy. Passionate about uncovering the stories behind each cup, he delves into how coffee has shaped civilizations throughout time. When he’s not writing, you’ll find him visiting independent cafés and chatting with baristas around the world.