Product Overview
Origin: Taiwan, China
Type: Oolong
Packaging: Bag
Description: Our High Mountain Honey Oolong is from Alishan that is visited by leaf-hoppers over the summer who give it a very nice honey-scent profile. Our farmer roasts it every year to get better body and a more "flavor-forward" character. The leaves of the Black Honey Oolong are gorgeous, curled, first-flush tips from the Luye township in Southern Taiwan. The aroma of the dry leaves is so sweet and intoxicating, but nothing compared to the steeped honey-like fragrance and flavor. The region is home to a type of bug called the leaf hopper, which bites the tea plants and sucks the nectar from the leaves, causing the fermentation process to begin while the leaves are still on the plants. When these leaves are plucked and oxidized, the result is a naturally honey-like sweetness within the leaf.
The leaf buds being bitten by this tiny green bug creates an immune system response in the plant that changes the chemical compounds in the bitten leaves. The effect, however, is seemingly mysterious and unpredictable! When this batch of tea was finished being processed, there is hardly any "bug bitten flavor". But then, weeks later, when began to roast this tea — as usual, in the making of Dong Ding Oolong — the honey flavor was distinctly noticeable after the first roasting!
This competition winning oolong and black tea hybrid has bug bitten leaves and a very unique flavor profile. First steeps are honey comb flavored before opening up to the creamy slightly floral notes of an oolong. A unique, highly oxidized tea that is a best seller! The east coast of Taiwan consistently produces the best of the best Honey Fragrance Black Tea and our partner farm is famous for its consistent wins in the annual tea competitions. This uses the same material to create an oolong tea!
A very fruity and floral tea with hints of tangerine juice. Both the smell and the flavor are quite sweet, definitely reminiscing of honey and fruits. There is an aftertaste that reminds me of a very sweet manila mango, which stays with you for a while after you had a sip. Like all our teas, there are no added flavors, colors or chemicals in this tea. All flavors are completely natural and chemical-free!
Brewing Guide: In a prewarmed gaiwan place 1 teaspoon of leaf and quickly flush with hot water. After appreciating the rich aroma of the damp leaves, cover with 90°-95°C (194°-205°F-near boiling) water and infuse for 3-5 minutes. Pour off into prewarmed tasting cups and repeat, gradually increasing steeping time and water temperature.
