Ali Shan

Ali Shan – Oolong Tea

Origin: Taiwan

Infusion Temperature: 90-95°C Celsius

Infusion Time: 2-3 minutes

Serving Size: 2-4 grams/200 ml

Sourced from the breathtaking highlands of Taiwan, Ali Shan Organic Oolong is a rare and refined expression of one of the island’s most celebrated tea traditions. Harvested in April and grown at elevations of 1,800 to 2,000 meters, this exceptional oolong belongs to the category of lightly oxidized teas around 15% and is a proud addition to our curated line of teas chosen for their excellence, purity, and traceability.

What sets this tea apart is not only its altitude or craftsmanship, but also its deep connection to the land and the people who cultivate it. The Ali Shan region is renowned for producing some of Taiwan’s finest oolongs, a reputation owed in part to its pristine mountain climate. Here, dramatic temperature shifts between day and night, frequent mist cover, and rich, loamy soil create the perfect environment for slow, complex flavor development.

This tea is produced from seed grown cultivars plants with deep genetic roots and strong natural resilience. For over two decades, the gardens where this tea is grown have been free from synthetic pesticides and chemical fertilizers, embracing organic principles that honor both the earth and future generations. The result is a “living tea” vibrant, soulful, and energetically alive in every infusion.

Ali Shan Organic Oolong opens with a bouquet of delicate floral notes-most notably orchid-elegantly layered with soft, mentholated undertones and subtle hints of forest air. The infusion color is smooth, clear, and refreshing, offering a full-bodied yet ethereal experience that lingers on the palate. The flavor profile evolves gracefully over multiple steeping maintaining its clarity and floral finesse up to the sixth or even seventh infusion. It is an invigorating tea-both soothing to the throat and uplifting to the spirit.

The leaves are tightly rolled into small, emerald hued pearls a signature of traditional Taiwanese processing unfurling with each infusion to reveal their full beauty. This tea exemplifies elegance and refinement, making it a favorite among connoisseurs and everyday tea lovers alike.

Ali Shan is not only a tea growing region, but a natural wonder and cultural treasure. Known for its ancient cypress forests and breathtaking mountain vistas, it draws both tourists and tea artisans who are drawn to its serene, high-altitude energy. The gardens from which this tea originates reflect a deep respect for the environment and a commitment to sustainability and authenticity.

To fully appreciate the nuances of this tea, we recommend brewing it in the traditional Gong Fu Cha style. Use soft, low-mineral water to let the tea’s full aromatic spectrum shine.

Brewing Recommendations:

• Warm your teapot or gaiwan by rinsing it with hot water, then discard the water.
• Rinse the leaves adding the tea leaves to your preheated vessel.
• Pour a small amount of hot water over the leaves, just enough to cover them.
• Immediately pour off this rinse water. This step washes the leaves and helps them start to open up.

Gong Fu Cha Traditional Infusion Chinese Method:

• Water temperature: 90-95°C
• Tea quantity: 2-4 grams for 100-200 ml of water
• Steeping time: 20-40 seconds
• For the second and following infusions, add hot water and increase the steeping time by about 10-30 seconds each time.
• Multiple short infusions: up to 7 brews

Western Style Infusion Method:

• Water temperature: 90-95°C
• Tea quantity: 2-4 grams for 200 ml of water
• Steeping time: 2-3 minutes
• Multiple short infusions: up to 3-4 brews

Each steeping reveals new facets of its character from vibrant florals to calming forest notes.

This Ali Shan Organic Oolong is a standout among Taiwan’s high mountain teas and represents the essence, transparency, freshness, ethical sourcing, and extraordinary flavor. It is a tea to be savored, reflected upon, and enjoyed across seasons.