“Visited the Tao of Tea shop yesterday and among my purchases was this oolong tea. I asked the attendant for one that has a “buttery” flavor. First pick was the Ali Shan but they were out so this...” Read full tasting note
Origin: Shanlinxi, Taiwan
Plucking Season: Spring
Introduction: Situated in the heart of Taiwan’s tea growing center, Nantou County, Shan Lin Xi is a pristine nature reserve known for its maples, wild-flowers and butterflies. Tea from this region has a distinctive clear, crisp flavor and aroma known to oolong connoisseurs around the world.
High Mountain Tea
Due to Shan Lin Xi’s high elevation and cooler climate, the tea leaves in this region grow slower attaining a higher concentration of sap and essential oils which contribute to the tea’s complex flavor and aroma.
Oolong Varietals
Though oolong processing can be applied to any tea leaf, certain varietals lend themselves specifically to the techniques used. Taiwan oolongs develop fragrances and tastes not found in any other tea and the art of Taiwanese oolong making has been adapted to enhance the qualities of varietals from each region of the Island.
Processing – An Art
For Shan Lin Xi, only the newly sprouted leaves are plucked and then withered in the sun for a few hours to reduce moisture.
When suitable leaf suppleness is achieved, traditional rolling techniques (wrapping the leaves in cloth) are applied.
Final Roasting
This Shan Lin Xi is finished with a long, low temperature roasting which enhances the tea’s distinctive fragrance without making the leaf brittle.
Flavor Profile: Toasty, sweet, and subtally floral aroma with a clear, crisp taste and body.
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