Once picked, the leaves are sorted, withered in sunlight or a warm room for several hours with an occasional gentle rolling. This hand-rolling of the leaves induces the process of creating the flavors and aromas of perhaps our sweetest tasting oolong. A Dan Cong cultivar, this tea is grown in the famous Phoenix Mountains of Guangdong Province. Prized in China for the complexity of its flavors, the name Magnolia Blossom reflects the flavors it naturally produces.
Lot Notes. Lot is handmade and grown in the WuDong Mountain area. We have procured teas from the tea maker for years and his annual offerings are first grade and artisanal in crafting. We found the lot offers naturally sweet, nuanced cup. It is an excellent version of this class of oolongs. Lot was harvested in 2024.
Tea Facts. This lot was grown at an elevation of approximately 1000 meters in the Fenghuang area, of Guangdong Province. Once harvested & withered, the leaves are gently hand rolled for 6-8 hours initiating enzymatic reactions that create its aromas and flavors. Its distinctive, red-green leaf are wood charcoal fired in ovens to create a fruity, roasted aroma. Grown on a small, terraced farm, red soil is mineral-rich. Harvested from trees fed by subterranean springs.
Tasting Notes. This style of Dan Cong is naturally sweet and highly aromatic. We find flavors of roasted almond, finish is honeysuckle and stone fruit.
Brewing Suggestions. Use 3 grams of leaves for 8-12 ounces of water. Boiling water is best; briefly rinse the leaves and pour off to "awaken" the leaf. Try a two-minute steep time and see if you enjoy the taste. We recommend to not leave the leaf in water as the tea will over-steep. This also preserves the flavors in the leaves providing additional steeps. Note - first steep is known for aroma, 2nd & 3rd steeps bring out fuller, richer flavors. Multiple steeps are there to enjoy.
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.