Specialty coffee refers to coffee beans that have scored 80 points or above on a 100-point scale by certified coffee tasters. These coffees are known for their unique flavors and exceptionally high quality. They’re often (but not always) derived from unique microclimates around the world.

Cafely rigorously selects beans based on quality and unique flavor characteristics. Our coffee tasters travel all over the world in search of new specialty beans to offer in our shop. We work directly with growers and expert tasters to ensure every batch meets strict standards for specialty-grade quality.

Each region offers distinct flavors — Vietnamese coffees are typically very strong and robust; Colombian coffees are known for their mild, balanced flavor; Ethiopian coffees often have floral and fruity notes; and Guatemalan coffees are celebrated for their rich, chocolaty flavors and bright acidity.

The best brewing method depends on the specific coffee and personal preference. Our Vietnamese coffees are best prepared using a phin filter or AeroPress, but also works great in espresso machines.

Our Colombian and Ethiopian coffees do best in a pour-over style (such as the Hario V60 or Chemex brew systems), French press, or cold brew. 

Our Guatemalan coffee and Brazilian coffees work great in a moka pot or drip coffee maker.

Store coffee in an airtight container away from direct sunlight, moisture, and heat. The resealable bags Cafely coffee arrives in work perfectly for protecting the integrity and flavor of your beans — just make sure the bag is sealed after each use.

Ethical coffee refers to coffee that is sourced in a way that prioritizes fairness, sustainability, and transparency throughout the supply chain. This often includes practices like direct trade, which involves purchasing coffee beans directly from the farmers who grow them.

By bypassing intermediaries, direct trade ensures more profits go directly to the farmers, supporting their livelihoods and fostering more sustainable farming practices.

At Cafely, we are committed to ethical sourcing by building strong, transparent relationships with our partner farmers. This means paying fair prices for their high-quality coffee and supporting sustainable practices that benefit both the environment and the communities involved.

Direct Trade focuses on direct relationships, quality, and negotiated prices with the farmers, while Fair Trade is a certified model with set standards for ethical practices and minimum prices to support farmers.

Direct Trade is a flexible approach companies like Cafely use to ensure their farmers are paid fairly by cutting out fees imposed by middlemen. It also ensures brands can maintain some control over the quality and adoption of sustainable cultivation practices.

We’re proud to offer a happiness guarantee for all our products. Under this guarantee, any order you’re not completely satisfied with can be returned within 30 days for a full refund or exchange.

Contact our customer support team with your order number to initiate a return.

We’re based out of the United States, but will ship our coffee to customers all over the world. Shipping rates and times may vary, and some countries may require additional tax collected upon delivery.