Cultivar: Qingxin (ruanzhi) Oolong

Harvested by hand : May 13th, 2025

Origin: Fushou Shan (Lishan) Elevation: 2200-2500 m

Process: Light to medium oxidized, rolled by hand and dried Oolong

The Fushou Shan plantation was established during Chiang Ching-Kuo's presidency (Chiang Kai-Shek's son). It's managed by retired generals and has very close ties to the state and the military (during the dictatorship, this was the same thing!). Thanks to this connection, Oolong from Fushou Shan is one of the favorite tea gift that state and army officials can receive. Luckily for private customers, in recent years other farmers have also established tea farms on FuShou Shan and are providing us with teas that can exceed the original in quality!

1. View

The dry leaves have a light green color and yellow stems. The brew is a bright yellow/green color with excellent transparency. The open leaves are thick and solid. The open leaves are surprisingly large compared to their small size when dry. Good rolling!

2. Scents

The dry scents already smell of a spring garden with hints of chestnuts. The brew has high notes of spring flowers, lavender and hints of chestnuts. 

3. Taste

Fresh and sweet, refined and powerful. This balance of opposite tastes brings tea making to an art. And this taste coats the palate and lasts for a long time. 

Conclusion: The climate conditions in the Lishan area are very different from those in Ali Shan or Shan Lin Xi. This year, the harvest of this plantation happened 5 days earlier than in 2024, when in most Taiwan the harvests were delayed! Despite this relatively early timing, the leaves are quite thick, as they should be. The result is even more finesse, but with the usual sweetness that gives FuShou Shan Oolong a very feminine character.