Shan Lin Xi Red Oolong - 50g

Shan Lin Xi Red Oolong

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A highland dark oolong from the famous Shan Lin Xi region in Nantou county. The chow was hand-harvested in August 2024, at an altitude of 1200-1300m.

It is a Chin Xin cultivar with an oxidation level of 70-80% and a light roast.

Although an oolong from a renowned region and from high altitude conditions, this is a very affordable and from my point of view essential Hong Oolong.

The tea is nicely processed into brown-black beads, as is customary with Taiwanese oolongs.

The aroma of the dry leaf is slightly sweet. For these teas, a rinse is advisable before the initial pour to allow the tea to wake up, open slightly and release its sweet aroma.

The taste of the tea is fruity, mostly dark forest fruits, ripe stone fruits, honey sweetness, mineral elements in the background.

This kind of oolong doesn't get bitter, so I personally prepare it for 3 longer infusions and no more is needed. However, it is definitely possible to make more delicate infusions.

As I mentioned, I find this tea an interesting daily drinker, i.e. a tea with a good price/performance ratio, a basic hong oolong meant to be sipped regularly, perhaps at work, and the price tag matches that. 

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Brewing:  150ml, 6g, 95C, initial rinse, first infusion 80s, subsequent infusions 60-90s, or extend according to taste preference.