Gardenia Fragrance "Huang Zhi Xiang" is a handcrafted, single-origin lot grown in the Fenghuangshan Mountains of Guangdong Province.
The long, thin leaves are withered, then shaped by hand, beginning an 8 step process to create its unique appearance and taste. The leaves are abraded multiple times on wicker trays breaking down the leaf's cell structure, slowly releasing precious juices and aromas. Over the course of hours, slowly oxidizing leaves are then given an initial firing, then rested and, in turn, again hand worked. Each step and resting period developing and shaping treasured flavors. When the teamaker recognizes the aromas as characteristic of the tea, the leaves are fired in wood charcoal ovens sealing the leaves with their renowned flavors. The depth of this tea will allow for multiple steeps, each with a new flavor note.
Lot Notes. Lot was made in May 2020. With the first taste, we noted its crisp, enlivening fruit flavor & mouth feel. Lot embodies the commanding flavors of this cultivar.
Tea Facts. This tea was grown in the Fenhuangshan Mountains, more widely known as the Phoenix Mountains. The highest grades have traditionally been produced primarily on WuDong Mountain in the Chao An area, of Guangdong Province. The varietal is a descendant of the Shui Xian oolong, with origin in the Wuyi Mountains of Fujian Province. The "Gardenia Fragrance" cultivar is not exported in large volume given its strong domestic demand. Dan Cong oolongs of this grade are known to develop new flavors and complexity as they age.
Tasting notes. The taste is silky, sweet and characterized by a fruity aroma and subtle a fragrance of flowers. Taste is silky and naturally sweet think of nectar and honeysuckle. Equally impressive is the boldness of its taste. Long after the cup has been drunk, sweet flavors remain on the palate.
Brewing suggestions. The leaves are strong in flavor. 3-4 grams should be plenty of leaf for 8 ounces of water. Use boiling water to rinse the leaves briefly, pour off and re-infuse for 1.5 minutes and taste. We recommend that your steeps be kept on the short side given the strength of the leaves. This tea will yield multiple steeps - right up to 7 or more.
SKU: O-PBO-HZX-2
Oolong Tea
Add 30 seconds for each successive steep — flavors evolve.
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.