What Is Q-Grading and Why It Matters to Your Cup

When you drink a cup of Sheba Coffee, you're tasting something special.

Behind every roast lies a quiet but powerful system that ensures exceptional quality it’s called Q-Grading. And if you've never heard of it, you're not alone.

Let’s demystify it.

So… What Exactly Is Q-Grading?

Think of Q-Grading as coffee’s version of a quality control gold standard.

Developed by the Coffee Quality Institute, it’s a professional system where certified tasters called Q-Grader’s score coffee based on aroma, flavour, acidity, body, sweetness, balance, and more.

Each coffee is given a score out of 100. To be considered “specialty grade,” it must score 80 or higher. Anything below that? It doesn’t make the cut.

Why Does This Matter to You?

Because Q-Grading means you’re drinking coffee that’s been evaluated by experts and recognized for its exceptional taste and purity.

At Sheba, we only work with Q-Graded, specialty-grade beans coffees that are clean, vibrant, and expressive of Ethiopia’s rich terroir. It's our way of honouring both the craft of our farmers and your daily ritual.

It Also Matters to the Farmers

Q-Grading isn’t just about taste it’s about transparency and fairness.

When a coffee is Q-Graded, farmers can:

• Command higher prices for their harvest.
• Access better market opportunities.
• Gain recognition for producing world-class coffee.

In Ethiopia where coffee was born this creates real impact.

One Final Sip

The next time you brew Sheba, know this: you're not just tasting a delicious coffee. You’re experiencing a cup that’s been carefully grown, evaluated, and celebrated at the highest level.

Every Sheba roast is Q-Graded. Every sip is a standard of excellence.
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