Da Yu Ling Oolong Tea (Taiwan)

One crisp morning, Lao Cha and his young disciple sat on a cliff, sipping Da Yu Ling Oolong. The disciple's eyes widened as he tasted the tea.

– Sifu, how is this tea so fresh, smooth, and sweet — all at once? – he asked, marveling at the taste.

Lao Cha smiled knowingly. – Ah, now wonder. This tea grows high in the misty mountains, far above the clouds. The fog keeps the leaves cool, making them grow slowly, while the ancient forest watches over them.

– So... the forest is the secret?

– The forest, the fog, and the elevation, – Lao Cha replied, sipping his tea. – Tea is only as tasty as the terroir that nurtures it. Da Yu Ling is a gift from the mountains, pure as the air it breathes.

Da Yu Ling Oolong Tea (大禹嶺烏龍) is a treasure among Taiwanese teas, grown at one of the highest tea plantations in the world, at an elevation of 2,200 to 2,400 meters in the misty peaks of the Central Mountain Range. This high-altitude location, paired with foggy weather throughout the year, causes the tea leaves to grow slowly, resulting in a smooth, rich flavor that sets Da Yu Ling apart from other oolongs. The pristine environment, surrounded by ancient forests, adds to the tea's unique character.

When the leaves are gently warmed, the aroma of warm milk, honey, and raspberry immediately fills the air, a prelude to a beautiful balance of sweet, floral, and vegetal taste notes. Each sip delivers a sublime combination of flavors – a complex and refreshing tea. The mouthfeel is smooth, and the lingering sweetness is balanced by a light, refreshing finish. It's easy to see why Da Yu Ling is often called the "King of Oolong Tea" and why it remains one of the most prized teas in Taiwan.

Da Yu Ling Oolong has become increasingly rare in recent years. Since 2014, the government has been reclaiming the land of Da Yu Ling tea farms, significantly reducing production. Many farmers have lost their tea farms, and finding high-quality Da Yu Ling at a reasonable price has become more challenging. This makes each cup of Da Yu Ling Oolong even more special – a rare opportunity to savor one of the finest Taiwanese teas.

• Place of Origin: Dayuling, Li Shan, Nantou County, Taiwan
• Altitude: 2200-2400m
  
• Harvest Date: June 2024
• Roast: Light
  
• Oxidation: Light
• Aroma:  Honey & milk with raspberry undertones
• Taste: Vegetal, floral and sweet
• Cultivar: Qing Xin (aka Ruan Zhi, TRES #17)

Brewing guidelines: