Coffee enthusiast Tsai Kun-Pei has always found it difficult to discover a brew that truly satisfied his palate—so he decided to create one himself. What began as a personal pursuit soon became a passion. This year, Tsai triumphed at the WCE World Coffee Roasting Championship Taiwan Selection, organized by the Taiwan Coffee Association, earning the honor of representing Taiwan at the world finals.

News of his victory quickly reached his hometown of Lukang, where family and friends celebrated with pride. Lukang Mayor Hsu Chih-Hung personally visited to extend his congratulations and joined Tsai in tasting his award-winning roast, praising its rich aroma and exceptional flavor.

Born in 1964, Tsai originally worked in the construction industry, known for his craftsmanship in building wooden cottages and pavilions. His attention to detail and dedication to handcrafting later became invaluable in coffee roasting. Investing more than NT$500,000 in professional equipment, Tsai established “Lao Er Coffee Roasting Studio,” devoted to the art and science of coffee roasting. His remarkable performance in competition has now earned him the national crown.

Tsai recalls that his love for coffee began in his youth. At age 30, he purchased his first bag of coffee beans to brew at home, later developing a passion for high-mountain tea, Oriental Beauty, and Pu-erh tea. Around the age of 50, he rediscovered his enthusiasm for coffee. Starting by learning from YouTube videos, he later joined a farmers’ association training program to study under professional mentors. Thanks to this guidance, he quickly achieved competitive-level roasting skills and, in just two years, claimed the championship title at Taiwan’s WCE selection—an achievement that came as both a surprise and a joy.

Tsai noted that success was not easily earned. The WCE competition accepts only 24 contestants, requiring participants to complete three stages: pre-roasting, production roasting, and submission of a detailed roasting plan—all using coffee beans provided by the organizers. Judges seek roasters capable of bringing out the bean’s best expression: balance, fragrance, and depth. Tsai’s roast impressed the panel with its fruit-tea-like aroma, layered acidity, and lingering finish, earning him over 500 points and the highest honor in Taiwan.

After tasting the champion roast, Mayor Hsu repeatedly praised it as “a truly unique coffee experience.” He remarked, “Lukang continues to produce outstanding talents—from world-class bakers to now a world-class coffee roaster. We are proud of Mr. Tsai’s achievement and look forward to his continued success on the world stage.”

?? Media Contact:  http://www.2ndcoffee.com
?? Address: No. 1080, Section 2, Lucao Road, Lukang Township, Changhua County
?? Contact Person: Mr. Tsai Kun-Pei
?? Phone: +886-931-631-375
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