Frequently Asked Questions

Choosing your first specialty coffee, finding the right grind or planning a visit? Here's what you need to know to make your next cup and get to know SO.

Choosing and brewing coffee

1. What is specialty coffee?

Specialty coffee is valued for the characteristics that make it distinctive. Flavour, aroma and texture are part of what makes a coffee special, along with where it was grown, who produced it and how it was processed. This follows the [Specialty Coffee Association's definition](https://sca.coffee/what-is-specialty-coffee).

2. Which coffee should I try if I'm new to specialty coffee?

Start with the flavours you enjoy and the way you brew at home. If you like familiar flavours, look for notes of chocolate, caramel or nuts. If you prefer something brighter, try a coffee with fruity or floral notes. The tasting notes in our shop make it easier to compare coffees.

3. Which coffee should I choose for an espresso machine?

Look for coffees we recommend for espresso, then choose a flavour profile you enjoy. If you like a sweet, comforting cup, notes of caramel, chocolate or nuts are a good place to start. Check the product page for our brewing recommendation.

4. Which coffee should I choose for V60 or other filter methods?

Look for coffees we recommend for filter brewing. If you like a delicate, aromatic cup, try a coffee with floral or fruity notes. Some coffees suit both espresso and filter, so check the recommendation on each product page.

5. Can I buy whole bean or ground coffee?

Yes. Check the grind options on each coffee's product page. If you have a grinder, choose whole bean. If you'd like your coffee ground, select the option that matches your brewing method, where available. Check the grind and bag size before placing your order.

6. What grind size should I use?

Match your grind size to your brewing method. Here's a starting point:

- Espresso: fine grind.

- V60: medium grind.

- French press: coarse grind.

If you're ordering ground coffee, choose the option that matches your brewing method. Unsure which one to pick? Tell us how you brew and we'll help you choose.

7. What do tasting notes like chocolate, fruit or flowers mean?

Tasting notes describe the aromas and flavours we notice when tasting a coffee. They give you an idea of what to expect in the cup and help you compare different coffees. Your grind, water and recipe can all change which notes stand out.

8. How should I store coffee after opening the bag?

Keep your coffee in an airtight, opaque container in a cool, dry place, away from direct light and heat. Buy an amount that suits how much coffee you drink, and grind only what you need just before brewing. For more advice, see the [National Coffee Association's storage guide](https://www.aboutcoffee.org/beans/storage-and-shelf-life/).

9. How can I brew specialty coffee at home?

Start with a recipe for your equipment and adjust one thing at a time. For V60, one of our recipes uses 15 g of medium-ground coffee and 250 g of water across three pours. Find recipes for V60, French press, OREA and espresso in our [brewing guides](https://www.soroasters.com/brewing).

Ordering coffee and visiting our shops

10. Where can I buy SO coffee online?

You can order from the [SO Coffee Roasters online shop](https://www.soroasters.com/online-coffee-shop), with delivery within Portugal and most European countries. Choose a coffee, select your grind and bag size from the available options, and place your order. If you'd like to check delivery to your address, get in touch before ordering.

11. How much does delivery cost?

Check the delivery charge in your order summary at checkout before placing your order. If you have a question about delivery to your address, email us at [ola@soroasters.com](mailto:ola@soroasters.com).

12. Where can I find SO Coffee Roasters in Porto?

We have two locations in Porto:

- Roastery & Café: Rua da Restauração 455.

- SO Coffee Roasters - Sá de Noronha: Rua Sá de Noronha 119.

See our [locations page](https://www.soroasters.com/coffee-shops) for directions and more about each space.

13. Where can I drink SO coffee in Lisbon?

You'll find our Espresso & Filter Bar inside The Feeting Room, at Calçada do Sacramento 28, Lisbon. See our [locations page](https://www.soroasters.com/coffee-shops) for directions.

14. Does SO Coffee Roasters sell gift cards?

Yes. You can buy a [gift card in our online shop](https://www.soroasters.com/online-coffee-shop/p/vale-presente). The product page shows the available amounts. If you have questions about how to use the card, get in touch before buying.

15. How can I contact SO Coffee Roasters?

Email us at [ola@soroasters.com](mailto:ola@soroasters.com). We can help you choose a coffee or grind and answer questions about orders, training and wholesale. If you're writing about a purchase, include your order number so we can find it more easily.

About SO and our commitments

16. What is SO Coffee Roasters and what do you offer?

SO Coffee Roasters is a specialty coffee company founded in 2019. We roast our coffee in Porto, sell coffee and brewing gear online, and have coffee shops in Porto and Lisbon. We also offer training and work with cafés, restaurants and hotels through our wholesale programme.

17. What makes SO Coffee Roasters different?

We care about where coffee comes from and the people who grow it. We build relationships with producers, roast our coffees in Porto and share what our baristas and roasters learn along the way. On each coffee's product page, you'll find information about its origin, variety, processing and flavour.

18. Is SO Coffee Roasters a certified B Corp?

Yes. Dinosaur Season Unip, the company behind SO Coffee Roasters, has been a certified B Corp since August 2025. The certification assesses the company's social and environmental performance and governance practices. You can find the details in our [public B Lab profile](https://www.bcorporation.net/en-us/find-a-b-corp/company/dinosaur-season-unip/).

19. Is all SO coffee sourced through direct trade?

No. We work directly with producers in countries including Brazil, Ecuador and El Salvador, and we source some of the coffee we roast through other channels. Check each coffee's product page to learn where it comes from, or read our [direct trade manifesto](https://www.soroasters.com/magazine/span-classsqsrte-text-color-blackthe-direct-trade-manifesto-why-so-is-helping-redefine-the-coffee-soul-of-portugalspan) to learn more about our approach.

20. Are SO coffee bags compostable?

We began switching to certified compostable coffee bags in 2025. Check the instructions on your bag for how to dispose of it. If you're unsure, get in touch. You can read more about our packaging and other commitments on our [impact page](https://www.soroasters.com/sustainablecoffee).

Wholesale and coffee training

21. Do you supply specialty coffee to cafés, restaurants and hotels?

Yes. Our [wholesale programme](https://www.soroasters.com/wholesale) is for cafés, restaurants and hotels looking to serve specialty coffee. To discuss what would work for your business, tell us where you're based, what kind of service you offer and roughly how much coffee you use.

22. Does the wholesale programme include training and support?

Yes. We offer initial training at our roastery, along with advice from experienced baristas and roasters. We help your team build their brewing skills and answer questions that come up during service. Get in touch to discuss what's included in your partnership.

23. How can I find out about SO coffee workshops and training?

Email [ola@soroasters.com](mailto:ola@soroasters.com) for upcoming dates, workshop topics and availability. Let us know whether you'd like to brew better coffee at home or develop your professional skills, and we'll help you find the right training.