Descriptions for tea plantations are like works of art, describing misty cloud-covered mountains where finicky plants flourish. The words evoke vintage Chinese brush paintings where ascending mountains disappear into mist shrouds.
This tea has a delicate flavor, a little bit vegetal, a little bit flowery, a little bit creamy. Soft and gentle. If you want a kick-you-in-the-face morning brew, this isn’t it. But if you want a gentle sunny-day accompaniment (now THERE’s a hard word to spell) this could be your new go-to.
Why might that be? Let’s read:
“Jin-Xuan is a special variety of Camellia Sinesis (tea plant) developed through research at Taiwan Tea Agricultural Research Center. This special variety is known for producing an Oolong with a special fragrance and a very light creaminess.”
I love the idea of scientists in lab coats fiddling around with tea. I know they fiddle around with, for example, Doritos, but the idea of them getting all science-y about that perfect sip is a delight. We, as humans, are going to conquer nature, dammit. Including tea.
You did a lovely job with this, Taiwanese tea nerds. “Lovely” is, I think, the most accurate term for this tea. It is a pleasant little delight, and I am keeping this sample.
I don’t keep all samples. I typically pass them along to friends or my Sisters.
But not this one. It’s mine until sipdown. All mine.
Here’s the scoop!
Leaf Type: Oolong
Where to Buy: Fong Mong Tea
Description
The hand-plucked leaves of Alishan Jin Xuan Oolong Tea are grown in the famous Ali Mountains (Alishan) in Taiwan. At the elevation of 1000 meters above, the mountainsides are covered with fog or clouds which are ideal for growing Oolong. With better drought tolerance, also higher yield, the price is usually lower than Alishan Oolong. Jin-Xuan is a special variety of Camellia Sinesis (tea plant) developed through research at Taiwan Tea Agricultural Research Center. This special variety is known for producing an Oolong with a special fragrance and a very light creaminess. Alishan Jin Xuan Oolong brings one of the great locations for growing Oolong tea together with one of the special Oolong varieties.