Alishan Qing Xin Spring Oolong Tea, Lot 917

This beautiful scenic area of central Taiwan, which is also classified as a Natural Reserve, produces one of the most well-known and referenced teas to define the Gao Shan (high mountain) taste of Taiwanese oolongs. Due to its southerly location, it is also one of the first terroirs to propose high-mountain teas come spring time. All of the island anticipates this moment which will help gage expectations for this season’s high mountain offerings. Lot 917 comes from the same grower we’ve been following for a few years now which makes an expressive, yet balanced tea. His teas are quite complex and already propose a rich texture which is a sign of a generous and well-made tea. Our Alishan Oolong is from Rui Fong area in Chiayi County. This is more recently developed area for tea and has a soil structure that is more gravelly and layered in shale and has numerous gardens that produce fragrant, well-balanced teas that are pleasant and mellow with a well-defined sweetness. The gardens are situated at a slightly lower elevation than the highly rated Lishan, Dayuling and Shanlinxi areas but the characteristic high-mountain taste and aroma is very much there! A bright pastoral aroma will great the taster and prepare the taste buds to a refreshing honeysuckle quench with a silky smooth finish. This is a good benchmark Alishan that highlights the easy-drinking character of this terroir’s teas. This is also a very good introductory tea to high-mountain oolongs.