Baozhong Superior

Master Liao Wei-Chun does not own a garden. Instead, he selects plots across Taiwan according to the expression he seeks to craft. For this tea, he traveled from Taipei to Ali Shan to reinterpret a style traditionally rooted in the low elevations of Pinglin, transforming Baozhong into a rare high-mountain specialty.

Striking a balance between traditional and modern processing, this Baozhong brings together the best of both worlds.

Its medium oxidation level reveals sweet aromas that are both milky and floral, complemented by a subtle herbaceous note that sets it apart from greener high-mountain oolongs. In the cup, the liquor unfolds an impressive range of flavors: summer meadows threaded with honeysuckle, fruity notes of slightly underripe nectarine and honeydew melon, and the nutty sweetness of almond milk. The mouthfeel remains velvety and gentle throughout, while retaining a vibrant, spring-like freshness.

Appealing to both traditionalists and admirers of modern Baozhong alike, this tea fully deserves the title “Superior” — and with only a very limited quantity available, it is unlikely to remain so for long.

Written by Sven

The tea master

Liao Wei-Chun, based in Taipei City, is a distinguished student of Huangtan Chen, known in the Western world as Atong, arguably Taiwan’s most renowned tea expert. Master Chen’s tea classes at the community college in Taipei attract numerous enthusiasts, yet only two students have the privilege of teaching alongside him. Master Wei-Chun is one of these select few.

With extensive connections throughout Taiwan, Master Wei-Chun dedicates much of the harvest season to visiting various tea gardens, where he processes tea in small batches. He possesses a deep expertise in traditional Oolong processing, yet he is also known for his innovative spirit, experimenting with new leaf varieties and processing techniques. This modern approach, coupled with the solid foundation inherited from Master Chen, yields impressive results. The consistency and quality of his exceptional teas are unparalleled in our tea sourcing journey.

During the tea off-season, Master Wei-Chun can often be found in ski resorts in Japan, where he teaches downhill skiing.