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2011 Winter Ali Shan High Mountain Oolong - 1,200m Elev. |
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Winter Harvest 2011
Growing Area: Alishan Scenic Area, Chiayi County, Taiwan
Varietal: Qing Xin (Green Heart) Oolong
Altitude: 4,000 ft (1,200 m)
Oxidation: 25%
Roasting: Light
Overview:
This Winter Harvest High Mountain Oolong Tea comes from
the Alishan Scenic Area in Southwest Taiwan's Chiayi County. As is the case with all of our Alishan Oolong tea, we work with one family who live in Dabang Village in the portion of Alishan Township reserved exclusively for Taiwan's Tsou indigenous ethnic group. This plantation is in the hills above Dabang at an altitude of 1,200+/- Meters (4,000+/- feet) above sea level, and this batch of tea was harvested in early December during the Winter harvest season of 2011.
Flavor and Aroma:
This tea has a unique Winter "High Mountain Aroma" that can
best be described as "orchidy" or floral, but it is an aroma (and
resulting flavor) that is very hard to describe and truly unique to teas
from this area and season. The mouthfeel of the infused tea liquor is
nice and smooth, and the flavor is crisp, refreshingly sweet and floral as a result of the low oxidation and light roasting. The "hui gan" (literal translation: "return sweet"), or sweet aftertaste that comes
after the initial bittersweet flavor fades, is extremely lovely, unique
to tea from the winter harvest season, and long lasting.
Steeping Guideline:
I
recommend steeping this tea gongfu style to truly enjoy the layers of
flavor that reveal themselves as the leaves unfurl over a series short
steepings. I would start with about 7 grams in a 100 ml Gaiwan, and begin your steeping process with a 20-30 sec steep using 175-180°F water, gradually increasing the steeping time and temp with each infusion. I have also enjoyed tea like this many times
steeped in the Western manner with good results. For general steeping
guidelines for the different categories of Chinese tea and a short downloadable "how to"
video on Gong Fu style tea preparation, please visit our Chinese Tea Steeping Guide page.
Note: Each order is a
vacuum sealed 50 gram packet shipped in a
resealable high barrier stand up pouch for short term storage and to
protect the tea once it has been removed from its vacuum packaging.
Availability: Usually ships in 24 hours
Weight: 0.025 lb
11.34 grams
0.4 ounces
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Infusion
Alishan Map
Dry Leaves
Dry Leaves 2
Wet Leaves
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| Positive Customer Review |
| edwardjarrad |
24 May 2011, 3:25 PM |
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Layered and balanced flavor
This oolong was included as a sample packet with my order, and I immediately brewed it: all 10 grams in a 200 ml Yixing, water a bit below boiling, 25-30 second steeps.
I absolutely confirm the surprising sharp and spicy counterpoint to this otherwise smoothly sweet, floral scented oolong. And the hui gan is mellow and enduring. Delightful.
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