Classical Dong Ding Oolong Tea - Spring 2017

This tea is the successor of our very popular "Master Dong Ding Oolong" from 2014. Unlike most of the "Dong Ding" tea that has the name "Dong Ding" but not using the local material, the material of this tea, like our "Bug Bitten Jade Dong Ding" this season, has its material from the actual "Dong Ding." And this season's result is a surprise to us. 

This classical Dong Ding requires two key ingredients.  First of all the material must be pure Qing Xin Oolong from Lu Gu which is expertly processed with a perfect balance of oxidation.  The second key (most important) for classical Dong Ding is to roast it with the perfect degree of fire (火), creating a synergy between roasting and oxidation that enlivens the palette of the drinker. Our master of this tea is an expert at picking proper material and giving it a perfect roast. This season's perfect result is his year long experience and patient work. 

For most of the medium roasted Oolongs it is always recommended to drink it a few hours or days after the bag has been opened to let the roasted (火) taste mellow out. Roasted oolongs such as this can be stored in clay jars or other semi-tight containers for optimum aging. We are very happy for the return of this tea, so let's enjoy!

Harvest: Spring 2017 / 春 貳零壹柒

Varietal: Qing Xin Oolong / 青心烏龍

Elevation: 700 M / 柒佰 公尺

Region:  Lugu / 鹿谷

Oxidation Level: 30 %

Roast Level: 4 / 肆分

 Teas like this are why Dong Ding is so famous!  Very rare nowadays to find such a classic and enjoyable dong ding.  Roasted to perfection, this has an incredibly balanced and nuanced profile.  Sweet thick, with hints of bread, dried fruit and roasted chestnut!  Will steep 10 times or more and not lose interest!

Fresh nutty roasted aroma that is perfect for an early morning session. I find it Interesting and enjoyable how this tea can have the roasted notes transition so well into floral and sweet qualities. For me this is a solid morning roasted dong ding. Full and strong yet still refined.

 An old dog had been disappointed by Dong Ding roasted tea for quite a while. First of all, most of the "Dong Ding" that is considered as a "good Dong Ding" this day was not even made from tea trees from Dong Ding at all, since Dong Ding has a elevation disadvantage. Secondly, because  of the disadvantage, it is very very hard to find a genuine Dong Ding oolong that really impressed an old dog. Fortunately, this is finally the one an old dog was confident to have in its mouth. The roasting was done by a competition grade champion of 2017 spring, which gives it a body you won't disappoint. But what surprised an old dog was its raw material selection. You can tell that it is definitely the tea from Dong Ding (or an old dog could definitely tell), and the body is very completing. It has what a great Dong Ding should be from every perspective - round but robust!