This year, my farmer in Yang Keng, Shan Lin Xi doesn't feel very well. He didn't work in his garden for almost a year. Bamboo and other invasive plants have started to grow on the Qingxin plantation. The tea trees are doing a good job resisting the invasion, thanks to the healthy management by this farmer. He would like to take this opportunity to let the trees rest and grow even more naturally. In order to support him in this endeavor that could produce even better Oolong, I have repurchased my favorite spring Oolong from the 2021 to 2023 time. Time seems to have concentrated the aromas and tastes. This Oolong is very powerful and concentrated. It has a very strong character, especially since it has been harvested when insects started to eat the Qingxin Oolong at the end of harvest week.

This is a great opportunity to experience a well preserved 5 years old high mountain Oolong (vacuum sealed). Enjoy!

Cultivar: Qingxin Oolong

Harvested: by hand on May 7th, 2021. Last day of this plantation's harvest.

Origin: Yang Keng section, Shan Lin Xi (1300 m)

Process: Lightly oxidized, rolled Oolong, dried with a light roast

The first 7 pictures are new. The rest dates from 2021.

Below is the description of the 2021 harvest when it was released:

Cultivar: Qingxin Oolong

Harvested: by hand on May 2nd, 2021. Second day of this plantation's harvest.

Origin: Yang Keng section, Shan Lin Xi (1300 m)

Process: Lightly oxidized, rolled Oolong, dried with a light roast

1. The view

The dry leaves are rather small with various green colors. The brew has a very good golden transparency. The open leaves are uneven in size and shape, but generally very tender. This year's drought has reduced the growth of leaves on this plantation. Some tea bushes didn't produce any leaves at all!

2. The scents

For this batch, the leaves have the typical fragrances of Shan Lin Xi Oolong. The dry leaves explode with fragrances ranging from bamboo forest, pine, flowers and fruits. The brew is exuberant with all kinds of fresh, high mountain fragrances.

3. The taste

The taste is pure, zesty and powerful. It coats the palate, triggers salivation and prolongs the aftertaste with a pleasant sweet and lightly astringent taste. 

Conclusion: It took 3 days to harvest this tea plantation this year (May 1st, 2nd and 7th). On May 1st, the leaves were not oxidized enough, while on the 7th, the freshness and light flowery fragrances were lacking. It's on May 2nd, this batch, that we come closest to what Shan Lin Xi should smell and taste like. That's why, I have selected this lot. The pictures I have posted show how quickly the weather can turn cloudy in the early afternoon. These clouds are also the reason why high mountain Oolong from Shan Lin Xi has such a great freshness!