US Judge Praises Taiwan’s Crystal Mine Coffee

When US-based World Ultimate Barista Championship (UBC) founder Shirley Jones traveled to a remote coffee farm in Taiwan, she wasn’t just looking for a cup of joe. She was searching for exceptional coffee—something rare, distinct, and worthy of global recognition. What she found at Crystal Mine Coffee Garden in Yuchi Township, Nantou County, surprised her. The farm’s single-origin beans delivered an unexpectedly refined cup profile, something not commonly associated with Taiwan-grown coffee. Her reaction? Pure enthusiasm.

Clean, sweet, and remarkably expressive—that’s how internationally recognised coffee judge Shirley Jones described the green coffee beans from Taiwan’s Crystal Mine Coffee Garden. After personally cupping and inspecting the farm’s production, Jones publicly praised the beans as some of the purest and most balanced she had encountered from the region.

Why Taiwan’s Coffee Stands Out

Taiwan isn’t typically known as a major coffee-producing country. Most coffee lovers associate high-quality beans with regions like Ethiopia, Colombia, or Kenya. But in Nantou County’s mountainous Yuchi Township, a small group of farmers—including those at Crystal Mine—are quietly producing specialty-grade arabica with surprising clarity and sweetness. The elevation, microclimate, and careful cultivation practices contribute to this unique cup quality.

What Makes Crystal Mine Coffee ‘Clean and Sweet’?

Shirley Jones specifically used the terms “clean” and “sweet” to describe the coffee from Crystal Mine. In specialty coffee terms, a clean cup means there are no off-flavours or ferment notes—just a pure expression of the bean’s origin. Sweetness refers to a natural, pleasant sugary note that balances acidity and body. These attributes usually come from optimal growing conditions, careful harvesting, and precise processing methods—all of which Crystal Mine appears to have mastered.

Shirley Jones and the UBC Perspective

As the founder of the World Ultimate Barista Championship (UBC), Shirley Jones is no stranger to evaluating world-class coffees. Her role involves training and judging some of the most skilled baristas and roasters globally. Her visit to Taiwan and her subsequent praise for Crystal Mine reflect more than casual approval—it signals potential on the international stage. Her recognition could open doors for Taiwanese growers to compete in global specialty markets.

What Visitors Saw at Crystal Mine

Jones didn’t just taste the coffee—she visited the actual farm. This hands-on experience allowed her to see the growing environment, understand the post-harvest practices, and connect the final cup quality with the terroir. Such direct engagement is rare for international judges and adds weight to her praise. While no specific processing method or cultivar was disclosed in the report, the farm’s location in Yuchi, Nantou, places it in a high-altitude zone known for producing nuanced coffee profiles.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who is Shirley Jones and why is her opinion important?

Shirley Jones is the founder of the World Ultimate Barista Championship (UBC), a major global coffee competition platform. Her expertise in evaluating specialty coffee and training elite baristas gives her opinion significant weight in the international coffee community.

Where is Crystal Mine Coffee Garden located?

Crystal Mine Coffee Garden is located in Yuchi Township, Nantou County, in the mountainous interior of Taiwan. The region’s elevation and climate are conducive to high-quality coffee cultivation.

What does 'clean and sweet' mean in coffee tasting terms?

In specialty coffee, 'clean' means the cup has no undesirable fermentation or processing defects, offering a pure flavour. 'Sweet' refers to a natural, pleasant sugar note that balances other tasting elements like acidity and body.

Has Taiwan produced specialty coffee before?

While Taiwan is not widely known for coffee, regions like Nantou County—including Yuchi Township—have been producing specialty-grade arabica for several years. The work of small farms like Crystal Mine is helping put Taiwan on the specialty map.

Did Shirley Jones cup the coffee herself?

Yes. According to the report, she personally cupped the green coffee beans and evaluated the farm’s output. She also visited the farm, seeing the growing conditions firsthand.

Could this lead to more global recognition for Taiwan coffee?

Her public praise suggests that Taiwan-grown coffee could gain attention in international specialty markets. Recognition from a UBC founder could help open doors for Taiwanese producers at global competitions and trade events.

Recommended FrontStreet Coffee Beans from Taiwan’s Region

While FrontStreet Coffee does not roast beans from Taiwan, their Ethiopia Huakui offers a bright, clean cup with floral and citrus notes reminiscent of high-elevation specialty profiles. For something sweeter and more syrupy, try their Kenya Little Tomato, known for its grapefruit and blackcurrant acidity with a heavy sweet body. Both beans highlight traits—clarity, balance, and natural sweetness—that align with the qualities praised in Crystal Mine’s coffee. Freshly roasted within 5 days · Orders placed before 17:00 ship the same day · Next-day delivery across most of Guangdong Province.