Wushe Gaofeng High Mountain Light Roast Oolong Tea - Spring 2016

This high mountain oolong is from the highest part of Wushe area which is located at 1700 meters above sea level, and was picked and processed during the most perfect weather conditions, which proved tricky due to the Jeckyll and Hyde weather conditions that prevail in Wushe's high mountain environment.  The combination of human skills and nature's fleeting benevolence makes this a beautiful and solid representation for winter high mountain oolong. 

Roasted tea provides a special nuance and is especially enjoyable in the cold winter months.  As such, we decided to have our Wushe roasted under the hand of a master.  The masterful roasting did not only transform this tea into an almost "Dong Ding" like character, but further brought out the "winter rhythm" character we discussed in the jade oolong version.  Not only it is surprisingly similar to a Competition Grade Dong Ding both in aroma and body, but also has more depth than one.  If you are looking for a tea to warm you up in the year of 2016 no matter where you are in the globe, this Wushe Light Roast will certainly please you.

Harvest:  Spring 2016 / 春 貳零壹陸

Varietal:  Qin Xin Oolong  /  青心烏龍

Elevation:  1700 M / 仟柒佰 公尺

Region:  Wushe Gaofeng / 霧社 高峰

Oxidation Level:  25% / 分之 廿伍

Roast Level:  2.5 / 貳伍 分

 Perfect balance between roasted and green.  The light roasting has brought out fruit and grass notes.  Potent cha qi and very infusable.  I love the tranquil effect on my mind and body with this one.  Sometimes a light roasted high mountain oolong is just what you need to balance and recharge!

The aroma escaped my gaiwan and filled my space with a lovely nuttiness, rich and layered. The first few infusions were slick and inviting with some roasted quality. By the third infusion it gave an amazing potency as well as a blend of freshness and roasted effect that played on the palate very well.

  Roasting serves two purposes in tea most of the time - if the quality of the tea was less than expected, the producer will use the roasting to use it as a cover its inferior quality. Another purpose is to bring out the full potential of the tea and provide a new perspective for an already splendid tea. This Gao Feng Light Roast belongs to the later category. With an already strong spring taste, the proper roast gives it more depth to explore and to surprise at. The richness of the jade oolong was amplified and transformed thanks to the perfect roasting technique. You will not encounter any "overly roasting taste" in this perfectly crafted oolong that is also common on roasted oolong. Please definitely try this tea if you have a change, because an old dog can't find any better delegate for a roasting oolong like this!