Taiwan

Hong Shui (red water) Oolong is the technical name for Oolongs that have been made like traditional Dong Ding Oolong. That process includes an oxidation that is higher than for high mountain Oolong and that gives fruity rather than flowery scents. The process also requires a medium to strong roast that adds honey, nutty aromas and a long, powerful aftertaste.

This handsome tea offers a creamy floral aroma combined with a smooth cream taste with floral notes. Mei Shan is one of the less fashionable mountain areas with the oolongs often ending up being re-labelled as from the neighbouring Ali Shan which commands a higher price. As a result, buying teas labelled as Mei Shan means you get a similar quality tea to Ali Shan but at a better price.

This tea grows at a height of 800 m above sea level in the small region of Luku in the Nantau district on the island of Taiwan. The tea is relatively new, regular production began around 1980, and the harvest takes place 4-6 times per year, including during the winter. One bud, one young leaf and two older leaves are harvested. It is usually harvested on a sunny day and left to dry in the sun, whereby the oxidation process begins, which continues inside traditional circular bamboo strips. The infusion has a honey colour and a floral aroma. The flavour is very delicate, sweet and slightly buttery, and can also be enjoyed cold.

One of the best quality Taiwanese Oolongs, which in other respects differs immediately from the others.The tea offers the complex, honey-tinged flavour of Oolong teas in combination with the fullness of black teas. Here we can observe a slightly spicy taste and aroma reminiscent of Keemun teas.

Leaves for this tea come from Dong Ding mountain in Nantou county. They are harvested here all year round, but the best are in the spring, the ideal time for gathering is between 10 am and midday. The tea is only 18% oxidised, and thus preserves a large quantity of active agents of green tea, it is very aromatic and offers the aroma of honeysuckle and gardenia. The leaves are medium dark, relatively large and provide several tasty infusions, during the course of which both the taste and aroma develop and transform. The taste is sweet with peach rounded with honey, and very refreshing.