Third Wave Coffee has been quite in a buzz in India since a while. So we have got together everything that you must know about it! Third Wave Coffee is not just a trend but an initiative to level up your coffee game.
Third Wave Coffee endorses premium coffee at not so premium prices. It is a movement that focuses on premium quality coffee. The Third Wave Coffee movement considers coffee as an artisan food just like wine and not just a commodity.

What is The Third Wave Coffee Known For?
Third Wave as a term was coined by Timothy Castle in the year 1999 which referred to the focus on quality. It is also known for the overall improvement in stages of coffee production. It starts right from coffee plant growing, harvesting to processing.
This has led to a stronger relationship between the coffee producers, trader and the roasters. Micro-roasting, also known as skilled brewing is the core of Third Wave Coffee as it assures fresh roasting and higher quality.
Defining the Third Wave Coffee is not easy. Third Wave Coffee is an experience, a movement. It is an inclined focus on your consumer service and education. With today’s inclined focus on the quality of production, we are leading towards better coffee everyday. It is said to be benefiting all edges of the supply chain.
Is The Third Wave Coffee & Specialty Coffee Same?

People often use the Third Wave interchangeably with Specialty Coffee. So now is the time to break the myth. “The specialty coffee movement” is a part of the Third Wave Coffee. Specialty coffee is usually rated on points between 0-100.
The coffees that score 60 points and more are said to be a commercial grade. The coffee beans which rank around 80 points are said to be a specialty coffee. These are considered to be of exceptional quality that is grown in micro-climate. Whereas, The Third Wave Coffee is said to be an experience.
The specialty coffee is what is served in that experience. To get specialty coffee, you do not need the Third Wave but barely need the element of it. In easier words- the Third Wave needs a specialty, specialty does not need the Third Wave.
A Quick Overlook On The History Of Coffee Wave a.k.a Movements:

In the 1960s, consumption of coffee grew exponentially. It was the first time when coffee was widely accessible to people. This was marked as the first wave.
The second wave came with the rising focus on the quality of coffee and its feasibility for people. Conglomerates such as Starbucks started running their coffee shops as a profitable business. In this period Coffee became a luxurious experience than just a necessity.
Gradually, people have turned conscious about the conditions of the coffee production and complete supply chain, right from the producers to the consumers. This eventually trickled to the consumers.
Third Wave is said to be a way of complementing a quality product. The Third Wave Coffee rejects the traditional ways of coffee-making or growing coffee. The producer, importer, roaster, barista, and consumer are its roots. In Third Wave Coffee, espresso is not made by a barista himself, the roaster and the producer are also given the credits.
The Third Wave Coffee in India –

India is witnessing an increasing number of coffee enthusiasts. Though a coffee community is yet not established, there has been a remarkable difference in the quality of coffee served.
One of the cafe’s that has been establishing the firm grounds of Third Wave in India is its first-ever Cafe Truck called “1DollarMoffee”. The thorough focus of this cafe truck has been on the premium quality and affordability at the same time. It has a greater emphasis on roast profiles, sustainability, innovative brewing, and customer service. These are intrinsic to the Third Wave Coffee.
The barista remarkably conveys the story of the coffee beans with his coffees. He explains why their coffee is so distinctive, why you can taste and experience certain notes, and why high-quality coffee takes huge efforts. The experience is a combination of knowledge, hospitality, and education.
There are remarkable others in the list too. Cafes like The Third Wave Coffee Roasters, Labrador Cafe, La Flemington, The French Window, etc. have been vigorously shaking their bits to form a base of Third Wave Coffee in India. They are all about making their consumers feel special. Part of this is amazing customer service, but another part is sharing the true story behind your cup.
So, the next time you enter a Third Wave Coffee shop, ask your barista everything you would want to know about your coffee because that’s what the Third Wave is all about.