Alishan – High Mountain Taiwanese Oolong
Alishan is one of Taiwan’s most loved high mountain oolongs, known for its naturally sweet, floral character and smooth, lingering finish. Grown in the misty elevations of Chiayi County near Mount Ali, this tea develops slowly in cooler conditions, allowing the leaves to build depth and complexity.
The bushes are grown between 1,000 and 1,400 meters (3,300 to 4,600 feet), where shifting weather, cloud cover, and cooler temperatures create hardier leaves and smaller harvests. These conditions require more care during production, but the result is a tea with greater flavor and clarity.
The leaves are hand-plucked, tightly rolled, and lightly roasted. Alishan oolong is known for its sweet, candy-like character, with floral and lightly fruity notes that carry through multiple steeps. The tight rolling allows the leaves to unfurl gradually, giving you several infusions before the flavor begins to fade.
Flavor Profile
Sweet and floral with light fruit notes and a smooth, lingering finish.
Ingredients
Taiwanese Oolong Tea.
- High Elevation
- Light Oxidation
- Light Roast
BREWING INSTRUCTIONS
Serving Size: 8 fl oz (237 ml)
BY THE CUP
1. Heat water to 195°F.
2. Scoop one level teaspoon of tea into an infuser and place it into your teacup.
3. Pour 8 fl oz (237 ml) of hot water over tea leaves.
4. Steep for 3-4 minutes.
5. Remove infuser and enjoy. Can be steeped multiple times.
POTFUL
1. Determine the capacity of your pot in cups (8 fl oz servings).
2. Heat water to 195°F.
3. Place infuser in pot.
4. Add tea leaves to your infuser. Use a ratio of one level teaspoon of tea for each cup of water you intend to add.
5. Pour hot (195°F) water over the tea leaves.
6. Steep for 3 to 4 minutes.
7. Remove infuser and enjoy.
GONG FU BREWING
1. Fill the pot 1/5 full of dry leaf.
2. Add 195°F water and allow to stand for 60 seconds before decanting and drinking.
3. For subsequent brews:
- Second brew: Steep for 20 seconds.
- Third brew: Steep for 45 seconds.
- Fourth brew: Steep for 1 minute 20 seconds.
- Fifth brew: Steep for 2 minutes 20 seconds, etc.
NOTE: As flavor particulates sink, decanting into a pouring pitcher and from there to cups works best. Alternatively, cups can be partially filled, then topped off in reverse order, so flavor in each cup will be approximately the same.
ICED TEA
For a concentrated brew:
1. Use the same leaf quantities as above but halve the water.
2. Allow it to cool.
3. Pour over ice and enjoy as it dilutes to proper strength.
