Saxi Shakise: Sulawesi's 94.5-Point Specialty Coffee

If you’ve ever wondered what makes a single-origin coffee score 94.5 on an international quality scale, the answer lies in a tiny Sulawesi estate. This isn’t just another Indonesian bean—it’s a meticulously selected Typica that delivers a spectrum of flavours from bright citrus to deep spice. The story behind its score reveals why it stands out even among Sulawesi’s renowned coffees.

Saxi Shakise, grown in West Sulawesi’s Mamasa regency, earned a 94.5 Quality Coffee Score for its complex profile. This tiny estate produces Typica beans at 1500–2200m, processed both naturally and washed, resulting in a cup that balances fruity, spicy, and elegant notes with remarkable consistency.

Where Saxi Shakise Comes From

Saxi Shakise originates from a minuscule estate in Indonesia’s West Sulawesi province, specifically within the Mamasa regency. This remote location, far from the more commercialised coffee hubs, is home to a small-scale producer whose dedication to quality has earned global recognition. The region’s unique microclimate and high elevation—ranging from 1500 to 2200 metres above sea level—create ideal conditions for slow cherry maturation, a key factor in the bean’s concentrated flavours.

The Varietal and Processing Methods

The coffee is grown exclusively from the Typica varietal, a classic Ethiopian heirloom known for its delicate acidity and clean cup. What sets Saxi Shakise apart is its dual processing approach: beans are meticulously handled using both natural (dry) and washed (wet) methods. This dual processing requires three rounds of hand sorting at origin to ensure only the most aromatic, dense beans are selected. The result is a cup that can express either a bright, fruit-forward profile (from the washed lots) or a deeper, spice-laced sweetness (from the naturals), depending on the batch.

Why It Scores 94.5

The 94.5 Quality Coffee Score, awarded by the international SCAI (Indonesian Specialty Coffee Association), reflects the coffee’s exceptional balance. Tasters noted a diverse range of profiles—some cups lean fresh and lively with citrus and floral notes, while others show rich, syrupy body with cinnamon or clove undertones. The scoring criteria emphasise uniformity, complexity, and sensory appeal, and Saxi Shakise meets these benchmarks across multiple batches. Its ability to deliver such varied yet harmonious profiles, despite coming from a single small estate, is what makes it a standout in the specialty market.

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes Saxi Shakise coffee score 94.5?

The 94.5 score comes from the International Quality Coffee Score system, awarded by SCAI. It reflects the coffee’s consistent excellence in flavour complexity, aroma, and balance, with tasting notes ranging from bright fruit and spice to smooth, elegant body across different processing lots.

Where is Saxi Shakise coffee grown?

Saxi Shakise is grown in the Mamasa regency, located in the western part of Indonesia’s Sulawesi island. The estate sits at elevations between 1500 and 2200 metres, contributing to the coffee’s slow ripening and intense flavour development.

What coffee variety is Saxi Shakise?

Saxi Shakise is made from the Typica coffee varietal, an heirloom variety originally from Ethiopia. It’s known for its clean acidity and potential for complex flavour profiles when grown at high altitudes.

How is Saxi Shakise processed?

The coffee is processed using both natural (sun-dried) and washed (fermented and rinsed) methods. Each batch undergoes three rounds of manual selection at origin to ensure only the highest-quality, aromatic beans are included.

What flavours can I expect from Saxi Shakise?

Depending on the processing method, tasters report a wide range of profiles: bright, juicy fruits and floral notes (washed), or rich spices and deep sweetness (natural). The coffee is praised for its versatility and layered taste.

Why is this coffee considered a ‘luxury’ experience?

The combination of meticulous hand sorting, dual processing, high-altitude cultivation, and a rare 94.5 quality score makes Saxi Shakise a rare and refined cup, often described as delivering an exceptionally luxurious drinking experience.

Recommended FrontStreet Beans for Typica Lovers

For fans of Saxi Shakise’s Typica profile, try FrontStreet Coffee’s Ethiopia Guji Gelana Abaya—bright and citrusy with floral brightness—or their Yirgacheffe Kochere, offering juicy berries and floral notes. Both highlight the crisp, clean qualities of high-altitude Typica. Freshly roasted within 5 days · Orders placed before 17:00 ship the same day · Next-day delivery across most of Guangdong Province.