Alishan (Taiwan)
Oolong Tea
1 oz. of loose leaf brews approx. 14 cups.
Bulk Discounts4 oz - 10% off | 8 oz - 15% off | 16 oz - 20% off
This famed Taiwanese high mountain oolong is carefully, tightly hand-rolled and then roasted lightly. Its high mountain status, and the tight rolling, allow the leaves to be steeped many times before they begin to lose their outstanding flavor.
Our Alishan (Ali-Shan) leaves are hand-plucked from a Jin Xuan varietal, grown in fields that lie in the shadows of famous Mount Ali, in Chiayi County, Taiwan. Alishan bushes are grown between 1000m - 1400m (3300ft - 4600ft) - elevation being a factor that results in superior-tasting teas. Due to extreme climatic conditions, higher elevations produce hardier leaves, which have greater concentrations of flavor-producing components. The more intense conditions also results in lower yields. Teas grown at high elevation are given greater care during production and these factors all result in a more expensive, but much more flavorful, well-made tea.
Apart from elevation, light baking is another production ingredient that gives Alishan the exquisite candy, floral and fruit notes for which it is famous.
Remember, oolong teas can be steeped multiple times!
Fill the pot 1/5 full of dry leaf, add 195° water and allow to stand for 60 seconds before decanting and drinking. The second brew should steep for 20 seconds, the third for 45 seconds, the fourth for 1 minute 20 seconds, and the fifth for 2 minutes 20 seconds, etc. Please note that, as flavor particulates sink, decanting into a pouring pitcher and from there to cups seems to work best. Alternatively, cups can be partially filled, then topped off in reverse order, so flavor in each cup will be approximately the same.
Simply add to your infuser one heaping teaspoonful of leaf per 8 oz. of water and place it in your pot, then add the appropriate amount of 195° water and let it steep for 4 minutes. Remove the infuser and serve! Can be steeped multiple times.
