A famous Dan Cong variety Oolong that has been cultivated and enjoyed for 100-200 years. Originating in the WuYi mountains of Fujian Province, this highly aromatic Oolong steeps to a golden-yellow infusion with a complex, delicate, toasty-fruity flavor.
Lot Notes
Lot is handcrafted. The teamaker is Mr. Lin Ze, with whom we have done business for over 16 years. Through his processing, this lot is characterized by its strong flowery aroma.
Tea Facts
"White Leaf" is one of the famous Fenghuang area Oolongs made from the Zhong Shan cultivar grown in the Phoenix Mountains of Guangdong Province. Harvested from Oolong trees, this cultivar has comparatively large leaves that are hand worked then put through an extended process of withering; then "bruising" the leaf, oxidizing, firing and re-firing to create a depth of aroma and flavor that is unparalleled. During these processes, called Yao-qing, the edge of the leaves turns red. The finished leaf is long and a deep brown color after its repeated firings in an oven and over charcoal in wicker baskets.
Brewing Suggestions
These carefully worked leaves will yield multiple steeps, typically 5 to 7. The first steep is known for its aroma, with the 2nd and 3rd steeps, the leaves slowly open yielding smooth, rich aromas and flavors. This is a tea to enjoy with friends in the afternoon or evening as it is invigorating and satisfying.
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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Zhongshan Baiye Oolong
This oolong has been in my rotation for almost 40 years. What hooked me all those years ago was that subtle hint of slight grapefruit rind bitterness that lingers near the back of the tongue. Wicked bummed out by the shuttering of my original source of this favored leaf, I eventually found it at Silk Road Teas. Initially I had to play around with the steeping time and water temp for each infusion to get what my taste buds were seeking, but I got it all zeroed in before long. The price was a lot more since my previous order , no doubt pushed up by supply chain issues, inflation, etc., so do not postpone trying this one if you are curious. Cheers and inner peace, EC
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average.
sweet and fruity?? May be I got the wrong tea..
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Affordable and delicious
This is a real nice tea. Scent is somewhat smokey before and after brewing. When you brew it, the aroma tuns to slightly floral with a tad honey suckle smell. The cup is satisfying, clean, crisp. Slightly hoppy. Tiny bit of smokiness. Slight floral and sweet mild honey. I've also brewed this and iced it. Very, very refreshing iced! The price/taste ratio is a bonus.
It is not unusual for this tea to yield 7 steeps before the leaves exhaust their flavor.