Why do we categorise by score?

Scoring is a simple and widely recognised way to differentiate coffees based on quality. It gives roasters and buyers a reliable benchmark, making it easier to understand what to expect from a coffee before tasting it.

Does price reflect quality in coffee?

Higher-scoring coffees often come with a higher price tag, but price isn’t just about quality. Other factors can drive up costs, such as rarity, demand, and production challenges. Limited supply, rare varietals, or economic instability in a producing country can make sourcing more difficult and expensive. Coffees that win competitions or auctions—like Hacienda La Esmeralda when it first gained attention—can also command premium prices. Additionally, complex processing methods, such as extended fermentation or experimental techniques, can add to the cost.

Are 85–88 scoring coffees worth the extra cost?

If you’re looking for a coffee with more depth, clarity, and complexity, then yes—85–88 scoring coffees are worth the step up. They offer a noticeable improvement over lower-scoring lots, with more refined acidity, cleaner sweetness, and well-balanced flavours. You’ll often find distinctive regional characteristics shining through, whether it’s the floral vibrancy of an Ethiopian or the structured sweetness of a washed Guatemalan. While they don’t command the ultra-premium prices of competition-level coffees, they still deliver a more memorable, high-quality cup—making them a great choice for roasters who want something special without stretching to a 90+ lot.

85-88 Scoring Coffees

Coffees scoring 85–88 offer a step-up in clarity, balance, and complexity, making them a great choice for quality-focused roasters. This range includes sought-after varietals, innovative processing methods, and standout washed coffees from origins like Guatemala and Ethiopia. With vibrant acidity, well-defined flavours, and a clean cup profile, these coffees deliver excellence without the premium price tag of competition-level lots.

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Your guide to 85-88 Scoring Coffees

Why do we categorise by score?
Scoring is a simple and widely recognised way to differentiate coffees based on quality. It gives roasters and buyers a reliable benchmark, making it easier to understand what to expect from a coffee before tasting it.
Does price reflect quality in coffee?
Higher-scoring coffees often come with a higher price tag, but price isn’t just about quality. Other factors can drive up costs, such as rarity, demand, and production challenges. Limited supply, rare varietals, or economic instability in a producing country can make sourcing more difficult and expensive. Coffees that win competitions or auctions—like Hacienda La Esmeralda when it first gained attention—can also command premium prices. Additionally, complex processing methods, such as extended fermentation or experimental techniques, can add to the cost.
Are 85–88 scoring coffees worth the extra cost?
If you’re looking for a coffee with more depth, clarity, and complexity, then yes—85–88 scoring coffees are worth the step up. They offer a noticeable improvement over lower-scoring lots, with more refined acidity, cleaner sweetness, and well-balanced flavours. You’ll often find distinctive regional characteristics shining through, whether it’s the floral vibrancy of an Ethiopian or the structured sweetness of a washed Guatemalan. While they don’t command the ultra-premium prices of competition-level coffees, they still deliver a more memorable, high-quality cup—making them a great choice for roasters who want something special without stretching to a 90+ lot.

Other options to explore

81-84 Scoring Coffees
Approachable green coffees with classic flavour and balance – reliable quality without the premium price tag.
Competition
Competition-grade green coffees with standout flavour, precision, and traceability to support your best brews.
Commercial
Reliable, great-value green coffees with consistent flavour - ideal for scaling without the microlot price tag.

Your questions, answered

What is the Green Coffee Collective?

We’re a community of coffee producers and sourcing experts, all working together to make green coffee easy to access—whether you’re a hobby roaster at home or a professional roasting hundreds of tonnes a year. Our platform is designed to simplify buying green coffee, just like any other online shopping experience. No fuss, just great coffee at your fingertips.

How do I find the coffee right coffee for me?

It’s super easy! Just head to our coffee pages and use the search filters to narrow down what you’re after. Whether it’s origin, process, or variety, the filters make it simple to find exactly what you want. You can also check out the main coffee categories through the top menu on our site. Give it a go—it’s straightforward, and if you need help, we’re always here!

Do you offer support for direct trade relationships with producers?

Happily. If you want to work directly with one of the producers behind our coffees, email hello@greencoffeecollective.com and we'll make the introduction.

Do you offer samples or trial batches before committing to larger orders?

Yes, we offer samples for most of our coffees. If you need a larger sample than what’s typically available, we recommend trying one of the smaller quantity options listed on our site. That way, you can test the coffee before committing to a larger order.

What is your process for ensuring consistency between lots or harvests?

We work closely with our sourcing partners to make sure we’re always offering top-quality coffee. Most of the partners you’ll find on our site have years of experience in their regions, and they use that expertise to access the best coffees available each season. Their deep relationships with producers help maintain consistency in both quality and supply.

Can I arrange a visit to origin or participate in harvest season visits?

We’re working on coordinating trips in the future! In the meantime, if there’s a specific origin you’d like to visit, just get in touch with us, and we’ll do our best to help arrange something.

How can I get in touch with your team?

We love hearing from our customers. If you’ve got a question or need any help, just shoot us an email at hello@greencoffeecollective.com, and a member of our team will be happy to assist you. We’re always here to make sure you’re taken care of!

How fast will I get my order?

If you choose express shipping, your order could arrive in as little as 24 hours (depending on your location). For most orders, if you place it before 12pm, we’ll ship it out the same day! Otherwise, it’ll be dispatched the next day. We aim to get your coffee to you as quickly as possible.

Are your coffees ethically and sustainably sourced?

Absolutely! We source all our coffees either directly from producers or through trusted sourcing partners who are just as committed to ethical practices as we are. We take the time to ensure the people behind the coffee are treated fairly. If you want to learn more, you can dive into our values.

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Looking to make a saving?

Your guide to 85-88 Scoring Coffees

Why do we categorise by score?

Does price reflect quality in coffee?

Are 85–88 scoring coffees worth the extra cost?

Other options to explore

81-84 Scoring Coffees

Competition

Commercial

Your questions, answered

What is the Green Coffee Collective?

How do I find the coffee right coffee for me?

Do you offer support for direct trade relationships with producers?

Do you offer samples or trial batches before committing to larger orders?

What is your process for ensuring consistency between lots or harvests?

Can I arrange a visit to origin or participate in harvest season visits?

How can I get in touch with your team?

How fast will I get my order?

Are your coffees ethically and sustainably sourced?

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