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.
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A Great Oolong
A great oolong for any time of day. I particularly enjoy it in the afternoon. I definitely recommend giving it a try - you won't be disappointed!
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the petals erupt in deliciousness!!
This tea is awesome!! You don't need as much as you think because the balls open to be fresh tea leaves. Brew after brew the flavor holds true!!
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My All Time Favorite!
Over the years, I've probably tried 20+ Silk Road Teas and this one is my absolute favorite...... great flavor, simply awesome!
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I didn't know tea could taste like this
My daughter and I were fortunate enough to spend a little time touring China where we both started drinking more tea. I have a rather unsophisticated palate and am perfectly happy drinking green tea with jasmine of no particular provenance of quality. My daughter became a connoisseur of oolong. She had me try this tea and I was blown away by the flavors. This isn't grandma's tea bag.
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My favorite tea for 3 years!
This tea has a beautiful flavor and the aroma is sweet and floral. It is my daily favorite and I will be saddened if it ever becomes unavailable!!!