Due to the thick clouds and thin atmosphere of the cold-cloaked mountain of Ali Shan, tea grows slowly, developing its famed buttery, sugarcane florality. Its two harvest seasons mean a small yield, making the region’s specialty oolong production limited. Black tea is an already uncommon genre to find, and Mr. Hsieh’s astute blending and roasting intuition make Ali Shan Black a modern marvel of handcraft. Jin Xuan’s floral creaminess and Qing Xin’s cinnamon sweetness synchronize into a beautiful rarity. Notes of butterscotch candy, cashew, and clementine.
Region: Chia Yi, Ali Shan, Taiwan
Variety: Jin Xuan (“Golden Lily”) and Qing Xin (“Clear Heart”)
Elevation: 1000 - 1200 meters above sea level
Harvest Date: Late May 2019
Producer: Mr. Hsieh
Brewing Recommendation: 6g tea | 340 mL water | 205°F | 4:00
