2011 Winter Ali Shan High Mountain Oolong - 1,500m Elev.

Winter Harvest 2011
Growing Area: Alishan Scenic Area, Chiayi County, Taiwan
Varietal: Qing Xin (Green Heart) Oolong
Altitude: 5,000 ft (1,500 m)
Oxidation: 20%
Roasting: Very Light

Overview:
Our Winter Harvest High Mountain Oolong Tea comes from the Alishan Scenic Area in Southwest Taiwan's Chiayi County. This particular tea was grown at an altitude of 1,500+/- Meters (5,000+/- feet) above sea level, and it was harvested in early December during the Winter harvest season of 2011.

Flavor and Aroma:
The most notable difference between higher altitude Winter teas like this one from the Alishan region is the unique aroma & flavor of the finished tea, but there are some physical differences between the tea leaves from the Winter harvest and those from warmer seasons' harvests as well. Physically, the winter harvest's leaves tend to be smaller and a little bit thicker/sturdier than teas harvested in warmer seasons and/or at lower altitudes, a result of the plants having to work harder to stay healthy during more strenuous weather conditions. As with most plants grown under moderate stress, a more intense "high mountain" aroma and flavor tends to be present in winter harvest teas from this region (as a comparison, think of the more pronounced heat of a chili pepper grown in dry/hot conditions vs one grown in a more temperate climate).

Tea grown at this altitude is not roasted more than a very short time just to emphasize the amazing aroma in the leaves. Roasting it more than just a little bit could diminish the highly sought after aroma that is so unique to this altitude and harvest season.

This batch of tea has a pronounced Winter "High Mountain Aroma" that can best be described as "orchidy" or floral. The flavor is crisp and bittersweet with an awesome winter flavor that I find very difficult to describe. The "hui gan" (literal translation: "return sweet"), or sweet aftertaste that comes after the initial bittersweet flavor fades, is very floral, bittersweet, 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 6-7 grams of tea in a 100 ml Gaiwan, and begin your steeping process with a 20-30 second steep using 175-180°F water. Gradually increase the steeping time and temp with each subsequent infusion. This tea can also 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.

Availability: Usually ships in 24 hours
Weight: 0.025 lb
11.34 grams
0.4 ounces