Peach Fragrance, Tao Ren Xiang, is hand picked from a single tree. The cultivar's signature aromatics are conveyed by its name and preserved by its single-tree havest. Our teamaker, Mr. Lin Ze, has crafted to time-held traditions capturing Peach Fragrance's essence and a moment of spring.
Lot Notes. This lot is handcrafted. We have purchased Mr. Lin Ze's teas for over 16 years. Each year, we inquire for 2-3 special lots, small in quantity, offering traditional, natural flavors. We felt this tear's offering of Peach Fragrance once again exemplified his skill in crafting a Dan Cong. Tea was harvested in April 2022.
Tea Facts. The tea was grown on WuDong Shan, Chao Zhou County, Guangdong. Harvested from trees grown at a elevation of approximately 1200 meters. Tea was fired in 3 sessions using wood charcoal. Aged trees send roots deep into rich subterranean soils & spings to nourish growth; while a variable mountain climate slows growth, developing a denser & pungent leaf.
Tasting Notes. Initial flavor is clean, opening to notes of peach and almonds. 2nd steep, aroma is flowery, flavor piquant. As the tea steeps there is a very mild, intentional tension between flavor and pungency. Finish is divine!
Brewing Suggestions. It will steep multiple times as the leaves are dense & open slowly. For 5-8 ounces of water, use 3 grams of leaf (a tablespoon). Use boiling water and rinse the leaves briefly to awaken. Then steep the leaves briefly, about 1.5 minutes and taste. The first steep is known for aroma; in the second steep, leaves awaken to wonderful flavors. Steep the leaves 5-7 times.
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.