Jin Xuan (金萱) is cultivar #12, a variety of oolong developed in Taiwan in early 1980’s. The tea is know to have Nai Xiang (奶香), which translates to milky aroma, and Jian Xuan is often called “milk oolong”.
Chi Lai Shan is relatively new to tea cultivation. It’s situated in middle eastern part of Taiwan, tea is cultivated there on very high altitudes between 1800m and 2200m above sea level. Soil on this group of mountains is very rich in minerals and great for tea growing. Chi Lai Shan experiences big temperature changes during night and day and this is very beneficial for growing very sweet teas. Also, the changes in weather are very sudden there. Tea coming from Chi Lai Shan have it’s own “mountain aroma” and unique fruity sweetness often referred to as Asian pear Sweetness.
Our Chi Lai Shan Jin Xuan have very clean taste and aroma, it’s liquid is crystal clear and green with yellow tinge. Striking Gaolen (高冷) / high cold comes from very first infusion, high cold is characteristic of all Taiwanese High Mountain Oolongs. Tea liquid is sweet, thick, smooth, coating and lingering. Flavors and aromas are predominately green, fruity, creamy and with a touch of florals. Tea clarity and separation of flavors is beautifully carried on a creamy, milk candy like Nai Xiang base. Drinking this tea if very refreshing, soothing and mind clearing.
When trying some of this years Jin Xuan, this one was for us most interesting by far. This tea is not only about milky aroma, but more about how it have been affected by growing in a very unique terroir. Nai Xiang is not dominant in this tea, we choose it because of balance of flavors, its creaminess, sweetness, fruity and floral characteristics. Real Jin Xuan is very appealing and delicious but absolutely no milk or any additives are involved in the processing. The milky aroma comes from the lactones that occurs naturally as this tea goes through fermentation/oxidation. It important to know how to recognize that this is the real Jin Xuan, which can be done by observing spent leaves. Jin Xuan leaves are usually broader with larger sawtooth edge, veins are coming often at nearly 90° of the center and never reach edge of the leaf, turning just before reaching it.
To keep its fresh character intact for as long as possible we will offer this tea only in 75g vacuum packaging.
Season - Spring (first flush)
Roasting Level - Light
Roasting Method - Electric
Processing - Half Handmade
Elevation - Around 2000 m
Picking - 1 bud and 2 leaves