Yingxiang Shanlinxi

Grown and harvested near Tian Ti—a dramatic cliff in the Shanlinxi Forest marked by two mythical “eyes” in its face—this oolong carries both the beauty of its origin and the character of its leaf. Crafted from the Ying Xiang cultivar (Tai Cha #20), the tightly rolled leaves unfurl into a golden liquor with a silky texture. The cup opens with smooth, creamy notes evoking buttered asparagus, followed by a gentle, tart sweetness reminiscent of apple skin and pears. As the infusion settles in the throat, it lingers with a refreshing, mint-like herbality.

The Ying Xiang cultivar, a cross between Qing Xin Oolong and the 2022-Strain, marries the delicate florality of Qing Xin with a distinctive creaminess all its own. The result is a tea that feels both familiar and novel—a distinctive experience even for seasoned Taiwanese oolong enthusiasts.

Written by Dominik