Dazuan Organic Ying Xian "Magpie of Fireplace" Oolong Tea - Winter 2022

After the lighter approach of "Apple Magpie" we think it is time to push the boundary material to a new level. The fermentation is kind of like "Wooden Magpie" with the new processing being applied, however the roasting level is much higher this time, bringing us the most sedating Ying Xian available in the market. 

Cultivated from Qing Xin Oolong and #2022 by the tea institution in Taiwan, this varietal unlike most of its young sibligns, is still struggling in today's tea market in Taiwan. Despte its easily grown character, Ying Xian as a tea varietal still suffers from a unique punch to tea lovers in Taiwan and hence was not ubiquitously grown like Jin Xuan or Ruby 18. Interestingly, this varietal has a hint of Qing Xin Oolong in the body feeling, but carries more complexity than Qing Xing Oolong. This is why we are still exploring the possibility of this varietal today, and why this "Magpie of Fireplace" was created.

The apple note of "Apple Magpie" transformed into a cherry and lemongrass like taste on this one. It is a note we never expected on a heavier roasted tea. Like the name suggest, the feeling of it really makes one feels like around a fireplace, making it a perfect tea at the cold corner on any part of the earth. 

Harvest:  Winter 2022 / 冬 貳零貳貳

Varietal:  Ying Xian / 迎香

Elevation:  350 M / 參佰伍拾 公尺

Region: Dazuan / 大庄

Fermentation Level:  30% / 分之 卅

Roast Level:  3 / 參 分

 Brewing......

A medium & quite lovely roast that quiets the mind and invites us into the hearth. The steeps brew consistently rich and slightly tangy, gently roasted goodness. It has an overall balanced effect, comforting yet still pleasantly maintaining alertness.

 This to an old dog is the strangest tea of this season. We planned to have a deep profile tea, instead we got this layered mix that was unusual. An old dog got that strong lemongrass taste from it. This taste is probably developed from Qing Xin Oolong's citrus note, and later trasnformed into a cherry-like flavor.