Alishan "Camphor Lake" Premium Jin Xuan Jade Oolong Tea - Winter 2016

We carried a perfect Jin Xuan from Alishan region in 2015 spring, now with it almost gone, it is time to find a successor for it. This tea, is from Camphor Lake, a region which belongs to Alishan, delivers a perfect Jin Xuan to us this winter. 

Unlike the Jin Xuan from 2015 spring, the Jin Xuan this season is a little bit different. Last year's Jin Xuan has a lighter overall body, but this year's Camphor Lake has a more robust character despite it still being a jade oolong, making it a jade oolong but with more depth than a typical jade oolong. This year's Jin Xuan also has a surprisingly wonderful aroma which really impressed us. If you are a Jin Xuan lover, the Jin Xuan from Camphor Lake this season should not be missed!

Harvest:  Winter 2016 / 冬 貳零壹陸

Varietal:  Jin Xuan / 金萱

Elevation:  1400 M / 壹仟肆佰 公尺

Region:  Camphor Lake / 樟樹湖

Oxidation Level:  25% / 分之 廿伍

Roast Level:  0 / 無

 Aromatic, strong and smooth.  Nice medium elevation jade oolong that has much of the qualities of its higher elevation cousins.  Slight bitterness if pushed, but 95% smooth, sweet and fruit.  The contrast just adds to the complexity of this highly enjoyable tea!

The initial dry leaf aroma in the heated gaiwan is considerably nutty and has a more rich floral scent. I used 8 grams in a 160ml gaiwan which worked out quite well for about 9 steeps. For one thing, the 'camphor' quality is for real. The finish of the tea is quite cooling and milky. I felt this tea was also nourishing in my body internally. It wasn't very heady in effect and as I steeped it round after round I felt a lot of simple satisfaction and appreciation for the milky character. It was all in all rather luscious. This tea is definitely an excellent chance to create more perspective for yourself as regards the jinxuan plant's potential.

 An old dog was still soaking its spirit in the wonderful tea soup of Jin Xuan from last year's spring, then this Jin Xuan from Camphor Lake totally woke an old dog up from its Jin Xuan sweet dream. An old dog still cannot believe this is a winter oolong. Normally a winter tea will have a much more "moderate" profile, but this Jin Xuan's aroma truly caught the sensitive nose of an old dog's spirit. The taste of this Jin Xuan also has an very "balanced" performance on the tongue, making it a very enjoyable Jin Xuan experience to even an "none Jin Xuan drinker!"