WHAT IS SPECIALTY COFFEE?

Specialty coffee is any coffee that has achieved a score of 80 or higher out of 100 on a standardized score sheet by a panel of expert coffee tasters known as Q Graders. It is generally accepted that only around 10% of all coffee produced reaches specialty grade.

In short, specialty coffee means better-tasting coffee and that means respecting and valuing every member of the supply chain, from farmers to exporters, importers to roasters, and sales staff to baristas. Specialty coffee is not just a designation of quality, it’s also a cultural movement.

SPECIALTY COFFEE TASTINGS

The heart of the Beanstock Coffee Festival lies in the cup. Festival goers are invited to taste specialty coffees prepared by both emerging and much-loved roasters from across Canada. Tastings are small-sip servings in complimentary Beanstock mugs (all included with the price of your ticket). Each guest will enjoy the opportunity to sample unique offerings while engaging with roasters throughout the festival. 

SCA NATIONAL BARISTA CHAMPIONSHIP

Enjoy the theatre of craft artistry under pressure as the country's top baristas compete for the title of national champion. Presented by the Specialty Coffee Association (SCA) of Canada, the electrifying finish to name Canada's candidate for the world finals will play out over the Beanstock festival weekend, where the winner will be announced.

BEANSTOCK ESPRESSO BAR

Fans of espresso will delight in the Beanstock Espresso Bar. Professional baristas and roasters featured at the festival will be behind the bar to ensure our espresso is something to buzz about. Specialty coffee tends to the light to medium end of the roasting spectrum but our bar will serve traditional espresso-based coffees. We’ll also be offering oat and milk-based drinks, as well as black coffees throughout the festival.

Get ready for demonstrations on latte art and barista challenges with off-the-chart skill levels. The festival’s action hub, the Beanstock Espresso Bar will serve as the stage for latte art contests, roasters’ cup tastings and more. Meanwhile, the Beanstock Marketplace will feature retail coffees for sale by each roaster at the festival. Browse and take home your favourites, freshly roasted and uniquely prepared for you on-site.

LEARN HOW TO MAKE QUALITY COFFEE AT HOME

Excited to learn more about specialty coffee and how to make better coffee at home? Beanstock is a great place to discover what goes into a quality cup. Industry professionals will share their smart brew tips and the types of coffees and equipment that produce exceptional results at home. 

BEANSTOCK MARKETPLACE

The Beanstock Marketplace brings together some of the coffee industry’s leading manufacturers and equipment for home brewing of specialty coffee. If you are looking for a new espresso machine for your home, or how to make pour overs like the pros, Beanstock offers an easy way to learn more about the equipment that will elevate your coffee game. 

The Beanstock Marketplace will feature retail coffees for sale by each roaster at the festival. Browse our marketplace and take home your favourite coffees at Beanstock, freshly roasted and uniquely prepared for you to enjoy at home! 

JOIN US AT THE BEANSTOCK STAGE

The Beanstock Stage is home to coffee education, industry competitions and interactive demonstrations to get you more involved in the coffee-making process with some of Canada's leading industry pros demonstrating what goes into a quality coffee. With a focus on home brewing, Beanstock spotlights how to elevate your coffee game using equipment and coffees available at the festival.

COFFEE SENSORY STATION

Travel the world of flavour at our sensory showcase, hosted by Beanstock producer, green specialty importer Mountain Coffee. Keep a permanent record of your Beanstock journey with a complimentary Brew Journal, which includes a Sensory Evaluation guide to help you explore specialty coffee in more depth, as you journal your tasting insights both at the festival and beyond.

BEANSTOCK COLD BREWERY

And in case you missed it, Beanstock in the summer means - you guessed it - cold brew season! Stop by the Beanstock Cold Brewery and sample some of our roasters' most special cold brew surprises.