Cultivar: Qingxin Oolong

Harvested by hand: July 4th, 2024

Origin: Alishan, Taiwan (1520 m)

Process: Fully oxidized and twisted buds and small leaves.

1. View

The leaves are much smaller and thinner than regular high mountain Oolong leaves. The spent leaves confirm the difference. The brew is red with a very good shine, clarity and transparency.

2. Scents

The dry leaves have a fresh scent with high notes that remind me of green apples. The brew has powerful fruity and fresh scent. It expresses the finesse of the Qingxin Oolong cultivar.

3. Taste

The taste is mostly sweet with a slight fresh sour note that adds aftertaste and high mountain character. The taste feels smooth and fresh, reflecting the high mountain terroir's weather conditions at the start of summer.

Conclusion: I found this farmer as I guided a French TV crew (TF1 station) in Alishan's tea region in 2022. The harvest season was behind us and we couldn't find any pickers in the tea fields. However, we saw this farmer and a staff who were busy weeding the tea plantation by hand. So, we stopped to film this plantation and interview the farmer. Seeing the care he puts into taking care of his field, I am glad to select again this red Alishan tea. It has the finesse of the high mountain Qingxin terroir and the warmth of a red summer tea! Thanks to the organic approach and the selection of the most tender leaves, this red tea combines excellent quality with a very reasonable price.