Even by the elevated expectations of Taiwan’s annual Ali Shan competition, this Qing Xin oolong is a showstopper. Custom-roasted as a labor of love by its grower, it offers a uniquely rounded, floral take on the soft, sweet oolong flavor, with notes of mango sticky rice, teakwood and marigold. Each box includes a pouch of tea alongside storytelling cards that share more about the teamaker, origin and process behind the teas.
Origin: Ali Shan mountain, Taiwan
Elevation: 1400 meters
Cultivar: Qing Xin
Harvest: April 25, 2023
Tasting Notes:Mango sticky rice, teakwood, marigold
For best flavor, place 7 grams of tea leaves in a 5 ounce gaiwan. Bring spring or freshy drawn filtered water to a boil. Fill your gaiwan to the top and let the leaves steep for 10-20 seconds. Set the strainer on top of the decanter and pour the tea out of the gaiwan with the lid slightly askew, without allowing the tea leaves to escape. Serve into small cups and repeat this process up to 4-5 times and notice how the tea leaves change in flavor over each infusion.
For Western brewing, bring spring or freshley drawn filtered water to a boil. Steep 1 rounded teaspoon (3.5 grams) per 8-10 ounces of water for 5 minutes.
