Taiwan has long been celebrated for its exceptional tea, particularly its high-mountain oolongs, prized for their rich flavors and delicate aromas. The island’s misty peaks, nutrient-rich volcanic soil, and generations of craftsmanship have made it a world-renowned tea-growing region. Today, that same commitment to quality is driving Taiwan’s emerging specialty coffee industry. High-altitude farms are producing exceptional Arabica beans that reflect the island’s meticulous approach to cultivation, offering a luxurious and distinctive coffee experience.
Historical Roots of Coffee in Taiwan
Coffee arrived in Taiwan in 1884 when James Tait, a British East India Company merchant, introduced coffee seedlings to Sanxia. However, it wasn’t until the Japanese colonial era (1895-1945) that commercial cultivation took off, with plantations established to supply Japan’s growing demand. By 1942, coffee farms covered nearly 1,000 hectares, with close to two million trees planted. Yet, after World War II, shifting political and economic priorities led to a decline in production.
The Modern Coffee Renaissance
In recent decades, Taiwan has experienced a coffee revival. Regions such as Alishan, Pingtung, Tainan, and Yunlin have become prominent coffee-growing areas, benefiting from high elevations, volcanic soils, and favorable microclimates. These conditions yield beans with exceptional flavor profiles, often featuring fruity aromas and a well-balanced acidity. Among these regions, Alishan stands out for producing beans with vibrant sweetness, floral notes, and a silky mouthfeel.
Taiwan’s specialty coffee industry gained international recognition last year with its first Cup of Excellence (CoE) competition. Jiyoon attended and witnessed firsthand the incredible potential of Taiwanese coffee, with several entries scoring above 89 points and fetching record-breaking prices at auction. This milestone highlighted Taiwan’s growing reputation as a producer of premium specialty coffee.
Coffee Culture in Taiwan
Specialty coffee has seamlessly integrated into Taiwan’s dynamic café culture. By 2020, the island boasted over 15,000 coffee shops, ranging from global chains to independent specialty cafés. For the first time, coffee consumption surpassed tea consumption, marking a significant cultural shift. Taiwan’s café scene has also fueled the rise of café tourism, where enthusiasts explore unique coffee experiences, from traditional hand-brewed methods to innovative fermentation techniques.
Challenges & Opportunities
Despite its successes, Taiwan’s coffee industry faces challenges, including high labor costs and limited land availability, which constrain large-scale production. These factors, along with the meticulous care required for cultivation and processing, contribute to the premium pricing of Taiwanese coffee. Additionally, production remains small, making Taiwanese coffee highly sought after among specialty coffee connoisseurs.
However, Taiwan’s focus on quality over quantity positions it favorably in niche markets. Collaborations between farmers, government agencies, and research institutions continue to advance cultivation and processing techniques, ensuring a sustainable future for Taiwanese coffee. As global recognition grows, Taiwan is poised to become a key player in the world of specialty coffee.
Bean & Bean in Taiwan
Last year, Jiyoon visited Taiwan and attended its first Cup of Excellence. (Check out highlights from her trip!) She also sourced Bean & Bean’s first-ever Taiwanese coffees—two exquisite Gesha coffees from Alishan—and we couldn’t be more thrilled to share them with you.
Zou Zhou Yuan Estate: A Story of Tradition and Community
Nestled 1,300 meters above sea level in Lalauya Village, Alishan, the Zou Zhou Yuan Estate is a hidden gem of Taiwanese specialty coffee. Founded in 1996, this family-run farm initially planted coffee as a hobby. Over the years, it evolved into a mission-driven operation led by Rainy and her husband, Fang—affectionately known as the “Coffee Prince.”
Rainy and Fang are dedicated to producing coffee that showcases Taiwan’s unique terroir while uplifting their indigenous community. Their meticulous approach to farming and processing has earned them multiple coffee awards, and their nine-year-old Gesha trees now yield beans of exceptional quality.
Our Alishan Gesha Natural from Zou Zhou Yuan is light-roasted and naturally processed, delivering a vibrant flavor profile of mango purée, rose, sugarcane, and bright malic acidity. The cherries are carefully dried on raised beds in a greenhouse for 26 days, enhancing their complexity and sweetness.
Beyond coffee, Rainy and Fang’s work is a mission—to preserve tradition, empower their people, and elevate Taiwan’s presence in the specialty coffee world.
Jing Long Coffee Manor: Innovation Meets Heritage
Perched at 1,400 meters above sea level in Alishan, Chiayi County, Jing Long Coffee Manor is a young but ambitious coffee farm, established in 2021. Founded by Yeng-Chang Su, whose family has cultivated tea for generations, the farm was born from his desire to explore the potential of Taiwanese coffee.
Today, husband-and-wife duo Tony & Wan-Yu lead the farm with a vision that blends tradition and innovation. Their journey from tea farming to coffee cultivation represents a deep connection to the land and an unrelenting pursuit of quality. Every step of their process—from soil enrichment to meticulous drying techniques—reflects their commitment to crafting exceptional coffee.
Our Alishan Gesha Washed from Jing Long underwent a unique anaerobic fermentation with CO₂ infusion. The cherries were peeled and placed in a CO₂ tank, where they underwent a controlled fermentation at 15°C for 80 hours. This technique enhances the Gesha’s signature floral and fruit-forward notes, resulting in a truly distinctive and refined cup.
Jing Long Coffee Manor is more than a farm—it’s a symbol of transformation, a bridge between tradition and innovation, and a shining example of Taiwan’s growing influence in the world of specialty coffee. Each cup offers a glimpse into their journey, a tribute to the land, and an invitation to experience coffee in its most exquisite form.
A New Chapter for Taiwanese Coffee
Taiwan’s coffee journey—from its tea-centric heritage to its emergence as a specialty coffee hub—demonstrates the island’s adaptability, dedication, and unwavering commitment to quality. As Taiwanese coffee gains global recognition, we are honored to share these extraordinary coffees with you.
Join us in celebrating this milestone with our first Taiwan Collection, featuring the exquisite Geshas from Zou Zhou Yuan Estate and Jing Long Coffee Manor. Experience the flavors of Taiwan’s coffee renaissance in every sip. Shop the collection today.
This Lunar New Year Exclusive Taiwan Gesha Tasting Bundle is a special collaboration between Brian Quan and Bean & Bean.