SCA Cupping Score

The SCA cupping score is a standardized evaluation protocol scoring coffee on a 100-point scale. Ten attributes are scored: Fragrance/Aroma, Flavor, Aftertaste, Acidity, Body, Uniformity, Balance, Clean Cup, Sweetness, Overall. Coffees scoring 80+ qualify as specialty grade. Cup of Excellence winners typically score 87-96+. Professional cupping uses 5 cups per sample, 8.25 g per 150 ml water, brew temperature 93 degrees C. The SCA protocol is the global standard for green coffee evaluation.

Background & Context

SCA cupping score (score SCA) is a synonymous reference to the Specialty Coffee Association's standardised 0–100 quality evaluation system for green coffee, used interchangeably with "SCA score" and "cupping score" in commercial and professional contexts. The term "score SCA" appears commonly in French-language green coffee documentation, cupping reports from European importers, and Belgian specialty roaster sourcing materials — providing a direct equivalent to the English "SCA score" in the French specialty vocabulary. The evaluation methodology is identical: 10 attributes scored on a 6–10 scale by Q Grader-trained evaluators under SCA cupping protocol, with 80+ designating specialty grade and 85–89 indicating excellent specialty quality.

Practical Use

In French-speaking Belgian and French specialty coffee markets, "score SCA" or "score au cupping" on a bag or product sheet communicates that the lot was evaluated under internationally recognised protocol — as distinct from proprietary house evaluation scores. For Belgian importers, roasters, and retailers communicating with French-speaking consumers, using "score SCA" consistently (rather than mixing with "score Q" or "note de dégustation") reduces confusion and establishes a shared quality vocabulary. The most credible format for a French-language cupping score disclosure: "Score SCA : 87.5 — évalué par [Q Grader name], [date]" — providing both the numerical result and the evaluator's credentials.

Related Terms

Related terms: SCA score (EN), Cupping, SCA, Specialty coffee, Q Grader.