Arguably one of the more aromatic of the Tieguanyin-style oolongs. Ben Shan or "Source Mountain" is a classic fruity-floral flavor oolong that steeps to fresh, fragrant aromas and fruity flavors. Made with a comparatively smaller-leaf cultivar grown in the AnXi Region of Fujian Province.
Lot Notes. Lot offers light-green leaves reflecting the low-firing process preserving and shaping its wonderful aromatics. We noted the taste really opened after the first steep and held up with multiple steeps. Harvest date is April 2024.
Tea Facts. Ben Shan is grown in an area known as Min Nan, in the AnXi region. Ben Shan is a semi-ball rolled leaf, few stems, and oxidized to 20-30% resulting in lighter, greener leaf appearance with plenty of aroma.
Tasting Notes. It cups to clear, yellow-green liquor that is silky and smooth. Flavors are layered with apricots & honeysuckle nectar. Added steeps will open to flavors of flowers and stonefuit. This tea pairs well with a many dishes, both savory and sweet. An excellent beverage served chilled.
Brewing Suggestions. Use 3 grams of leaf for 6-8 ounces of water. Briefly rinse the leaves with boiling water and pour off to "awaken" the leaves. Re-infuse the leaves for 2 minutes. If steeping by GongFu method, use 6+ grams of leaf and steep very briefly for 20-30 seconds and taste. The initial steep will release aroma, subsequent steeps will bring out the varied flavors of this mountain oolong.
OOLONG TEA
3 grams/1 teaspoon per 6 ounces of water
195° - 205° F
2 Minutes
Oolong leaves are large. Once plucked, they are either rolled and lightly oxidized (Tieguanyin style) or are long and crafted to a reddish-brown color (Dan Cong style).
Tieguanyin is shades of green, almost blue. Its infusion opens to an aroma of lilies of the valley with a mouthfeel of gentle vegetal notes as it develops into a buttery, floral finish. Dan Cong is aromas of brown sugar and candied fruit. The mouthfeel is strong and full-bodied with a sweet, refreshing finish. In steeping, first rinse the leaves briefly to awaken them. This steep can be enjoyed for aroma. The second steep releases precious flavors. Multiple steeps are the norm for oolongs as they are complex and layered.
-
Ben Shan Oolong
As a long time customer, this is one of my favorites.
-
It's a very good tea. Fresh and tasty
I will buy it again.
-
It's a very good tea. Fresh and tasty
I will buy it again.
-
So Good!
After taking a significant break from tea because 3rd wave coffee took over my life, I ordered this oolong when I saw an ad for it. It was a little pricier than I typically pay for tea but I trust Silk Road and man it took me right back to my tea phase. I've had so many cups since it arrived and even my wife who needs sweetener in everything complimented how good this was. I'm not sure how to describe the taste but when I have a good oolong, it tastes almost buttery. This tea has a full body and delicate aroma that it may be ordered again as a 1lb batch to keep around. If there's one recommendation I have is that you don't need as many grams of leaves as they mention. The leaves expand a lot so you can start with 3 grams for 8 ounces of water and see if you need more from there.
-
This tea is heaven!
That’s the first thing that popped out of my mouth when tasting. Amazingly floral and nuanced…such a delight!
-
Ben Shan
One of my favorite "go to" oolongs, light bright flavor and very forgiving on steeping.
-
ben shan
Met my expectations. I have been drinking your Ben Shan for several years and enjoy its distinct oolong flavors.
-
Ben Shan Oolong
An intoxicating, aromatic floral Oolong with a fruity finish. Great price for this organic tea. I was introduced to this tea in a Silk Road Oolong sampler. My favorite was the Ben Shan. I use a generous tablespoon with an initial rinse and then brew for under a minute to capture the first glow of this heady Oolong. I get 'many' steeps and jar the final offerings for a chilled treat.
-
Ben Shan Oolong
With all the descriptions of this Varietal Oolong, one would expect a pleasurable experience beyond Tie Quan Yin usual, but this is nothing more than a taint of green, nothing more, steeped double the time on second attempt....there is just is nothing there. So woops, there goes my $30..!!