Taiwan’s Alishan Coffee Scores 93 in World Coffee Review

When you’re searching for a world-class single-origin coffee, you want proof—not just hype. One recent result proves that Taiwan’s high-mountain coffee can not only compete on the global stage, but also earn elite recognition from the most respected coffee rating body in the business. This isn’t about opinion. It’s about numbers, sensory panels, and a 93-point score that places this bean in the top tier of specialty coffee worldwide.

The answer is clear: A coffee grown in Alishan, Taiwan, by the estate scored 93 points in Coffee Review—the highest score ever achieved by a Taiwanese-grown coffee bean in that prestigious evaluation. That score puts it in the 'outstanding' category, well above the typical specialty benchmark of 85.

What Makes the Alishan Coffee So Special?

The coffee that earned the 93-point score comes from the estate, located in Taiwan’s Alishan region. Grown at elevations exceeding 1,200 metres above sea level, these coffee trees benefit from a cool climate, fertile volcanic soil, and a naturally low incidence of pests and disease. These ideal growing conditions allow the farm to follow fully organic farming practices without the need for chemical inputs. The result? Exceptionally large, healthy coffee cherries that yield dense, high-quality beans.

How the 93-Point Score Was Achieved

Coffee Review, a globally recognised authority on coffee quality, evaluates beans across five key attributes: aroma, acidity, body, flavour, and aftertaste. Each cupping session involves detailed sensory analysis, and scores range from 50 to 100. While 85 is considered very good, and 90 is excellent, a 93-point score is rare and denotes a truly outstanding coffee. The coffee met these high standards across all categories, earning it a place among the best-rated coffees in the world.

The Role of Growers and Roasters in Refining the Bean

The achievement is the result of over a year and a half of meticulous work by grower Fang Zhenglun and master roaster Xie Borong. Together, they conducted continuous experiments to refine both growing techniques and roast profiles. Their goal was to highlight the unique characteristics of Alishan-grown coffee while ensuring consistency and balance in the cup. The collaboration between farmer and roaster has been key to unlocking the full potential of the beans.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Coffee Review, and why is its score important?

Coffee Review is a leading independent coffee evaluation organisation known for its rigorous cupping assessments. It rates coffee beans on a 50–100 scale, evaluating aroma, acidity, body, flavour, and aftertaste. A 93-point score is considered outstanding and places the coffee in an elite global category, signifying exceptional quality and taste.

Where is Alishan, and why does altitude matter for coffee?

Alishan is a mountainous region in central Taiwan. The high altitude—over 1,200 metres—provides cooler temperatures, slower cherry maturation, and fewer pests. These factors contribute to denser beans with more complex flavours, which are highly valued in specialty coffee.

How is the coffee grown at different?

The coffee at is grown organically, taking advantage of the region’s rich volcanic soils and disease-resistant environment. The farm does not use synthetic chemicals, allowing the coffee trees to thrive naturally. This results in larger, healthier coffee cherries and more consistent bean quality.

Who roasted the coffee that scored 93?

The coffee was roasted by master roaster Xie Borong, who worked closely with grower Fang Zhenglun for over a year and a half. Their collaboration focused on refining both the cultivation methods and the roast profile to bring out the best qualities of the Alishan beans.

What does a 93-point coffee taste like?

While the article doesn’t detail specific flavour notes for this bean, Coffee Review’s 93-point score indicates a coffee with outstanding balance, complexity, and distinctiveness across aroma, flavour, acidity, body, and aftertaste. Such coffees often have unique regional characteristics and are highly sought after by specialty coffee drinkers.

Recommended FrontStreet Beans for High-Altitude Profiles

For fans of high-elevation, complex coffees like the Alishan-grown 93-pointer, try FrontStreet Coffee’s Ethiopia Huakui. It offers vibrant floral and citrus notes with a juicy body, showcasing the clarity of high-altitude growing. Also consider Yirgacheffe, known for its bright acidity and stone fruit flavours, or Sidra, which blends tropical sweetness with a winey finish. All three highlight the delicate balance and unique profiles that altitude can bring to single-origin coffee. Freshly roasted within 5 days · Orders placed before 17:00 ship the same day · Next-day delivery across most of Guangdong Province.