Ali Shan Jin Xuan
This tea is a textbook example of what makes the Jin Xuan cultivar so beloved. It delivers the creamy, buttery texture that earned the tea its nickname, “milky oolong.” Grown in the mountains of Ali Shan, this tea is greener and fresher than some deeper-roasted versions. It highlights the cultivar’s natural creaminess and gentle sweetness. It has a smooth, comforting texture with soft notes of warm milk, light vegetal hints, and a touch of brown sugar. It's an easygoing, warming tea with a clean finish and a familiar, satisfying character.
To maintain its delicate balance, it's best to steep this tea for a shorter time than usual after the first infusion, to enhance its milky character and avoid bitterness. With a mindful approach, it delivers the cozy profile that makes Jin Xuan such a favorite.
Written by Mauzi
Ali Shan tea region
- Alishan Township
- Meishan Township
- Fanlu Township
- Zhuqi Township
- ORIGIN: Meishan, Chiayi, Taiwan (near the Taihe Zhenxing temple)
- ALTITUTE: 800 m
- MEANING: Golden daylily (jin xuan)
- CULTIVAR: Jin Xuan
- HARVEST TIME: First half of April 2025
- TASTE: Milk, basil, brown sugar
- Quantity: 6g / 500ml
- Water temperature: 100°C
- Infusion time: 5 min
- Quantity: 3g / 100ml
- Water temperature: 100°C
- 4 infusions: 45, 45, 60, 90 sec
For best results in gongfu cha, brew in the traditional gaiwan or in a Yixing teapot. Too high water temperature would burn the leaves, resulting in bitter taste.