There is no other type of tea that brings as much satisfaction as Oolongs. Many tea lovers will agree that it was their first love and the catalyst in their tea journey. We offer this set as a vertical discovery pairing to heighten the senses and guide you through the incredible world of Oolong teas. Whether you are an experienced tea drinker or looking for that special gift for someone with a discerning palette, The Best of Oolong Boxed set will surely be well received! Let us take you on a journey through the incredibly rich history and taste of classic Oolongs.
1. Da Hong Pao 2019 大红袍
Da Hong Pao or Big Red Robe is one of the most sought-after rock cliff oolongs from Wu Yi for its pungent aroma and explosive taste. The Wuyi heavy roasting style combined with the incredible floral taste is the pinnacle of oolongs. This is a very classic rendition is composed of over 20 different cultivars! Wu Yi oolongs are roasted three times over the course of four months to allow the flavors to deepen and the roasting to settle.
Origin:
Wuyi, China
Cultivar:
Blend
Flavor Profile:
Rich and Buttery, deep roast, caramel, lending to floral notes, in progressive steepings
2. High Mountain Qing Xin
Qing Xin is one of the original clones created from tea seeds brought from China in the early 60's and is considered the "original" Taiwanese oolong. Picked in Autumn 2020 at an altitude of 1600 meters above sea level from 25-30 year-old trees on a semi-wild organic certified farm where the trees are completely unattended. The ground around the farm is taken care of to avoid landslides and erosion with occasional weed removal by hand.
Origin:
Renai, Nantou, Taiwan
Cultivar:
Qing Xin
Flavor Profile:
Creamy, delicate floral aftertaste, honey blossom, honey comb
3. Tie Guan Yin Classic 2019 铁观音
Tie Guan Yin or Iron Buddha of Mercy is arguably one of the most famous teas in China because of its intoxicating floral taste and aroma. There are few teas that compare in expression and when put in the hands of a truly talented producer it becomes pure magic!
Handmade Tie Guan Yin production starts with sun withering, cooling and shaking with baskets in a ventilated room, fixing over an iron pan heated by wood fire, rolling using a manual wood press, shaping in a cloth bag using body weight, and finally dried in baskets over charcoals at low heat for about 36hrs. This method of making tea is hard work, especially for elderly farmers. The taste is elegant and deep and it is said to make even the simplest act of breathing enjoyable.
Origin:
Anxi, China
Cultivar:
Yu Guan Yin
Flavor Profile:
Delicate roasted, pineapple, marigold
