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.