Quality Metric
Q Score
The SCA cupping score on a 100-point scale. Coffee scoring 80+ is considered specialty grade. Evaluated by certified Q Graders using standardized protocol.
Definition
What Q Score measures
Q Score is a numerical rating of coffee quality based on the Specialty Coffee Association's cupping protocol. Scores range from 0-100, with 80+ defining specialty grade. The evaluation covers ten attributes, each scored individually.
Q Scores are meant to be objective and reproducible. Certified Q Graders worldwide should arrive at similar scores for the same coffee. In practice, there's some variance, but the system provides a common language for quality.
Score ranges
Evaluation Criteria
The ten cupping attributes
Aroma
Dry and wet fragrance
Flavor
Taste and retronasal
Aftertaste
Finish length/quality
Acidity
Brightness and quality
Body
Mouthfeel and weight
Balance
Harmony of elements
Uniformity
Cup-to-cup consistency
Clean Cup
Absence of defects
Sweetness
Natural sugars present
Overall
Evaluator impression
Why Roasters Care
What Q Scores tell you (and don't)
What scores tell you
- + General quality level
- + Absence of defects
- + Industry-standard benchmark
- + Cupper's overall impression
What scores don't tell you
- - If the coffee fits your menu
- - How it will roast
- - Customer preference match
- - Espresso vs filter suitability
Our take: Q Scores are useful as a baseline quality indicator. An 86 is objectively better quality than a 79. But scores don't capture fit--always sample before committing to volume.
Current Inventory
Scored coffees in stock
WUSH WUSH
Oromia, Hambela
Sangaria | Fruit Bomb | Floral | Sweet Finish
Natural, 120 hours dry Fermentation! · In Stock
Natural ARDI
Sidama, Damo
Clean Strawberry | Peach | Sweet Finish
Natural · In Stock
Harrar Gr 1
Oromia, Micheta
Chocolate | Barries | Carmel | Full Body
Natural · In Stock
Washed GUJI
Oromia, Bensa
Black Tea | Floral | Bergamot
Fully washed · In Stock
NATURAL SIDAMA GR 4
Sidama
Dark Chocolate | Nuts | Medium Acidity | Complex | Comforting
Natural · In Stock
Natural Sidama American Decaf
Oromia, Sama
Crisp Apple | Toasted Almond
UVVW · In Stock
Want cupping notes and scores?
Every sample includes notes from our 3x US Coffee Tasters Champion.