Dong Fang Mei Ren 2023This lauded Taiwanese oolong, frequently known as Peng Feng Cha ('braggart's tea') or Bai Hao Oolong, is legendary in reputation, despite only having developed within the last century. The terpenes in the growing leaves provoked by the bites of leafhoppers are enhanced by careful oxidation to create a resinous, almost piney aroma and honeyed sweetness. This tea enhances the characteristic profile with a little yeasty, woody spice recalling white tea

and a lighter body devoid of bitterness

it has begun developing chun (醇)

Consume while reading The Romance of the Three Kingdoms

Its processing reflects the classic Menghai style

and you are encouraged to experiment with water temperature and infusion times to find your own ideal preparation of this Yan Cha

Tasting and smelling the teas and the wet leaves

that sparkling sensation is always present

If you wish to find out what tea is in each pouch

The first steep yields a smooth

For this year’s Long Jing Superior

where tea gardens dot the slopes around Mengku River at altitudes of around 2000 m

the leaves are dried similarly to other types of tea