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  Phoenix Honey (2 oz)
OC110 - Phoenix Honey Oolong| In Pursuit of Tea
Honey Phoenix Oolong | In Pursuit of Tea
  
Wu Dong Mountain, in Guangdong Province, China, is known for its ancient terraced slopes and tree-sized tea plants that produce solely phoenix oolongs. This tea, from the honey dancong varietal, was formed into delicate twists by hand; the highly aromatic leaves produce a distinctive honey note in both aroma and flavor. The consistent, blackish-brown dry leaf shows the carefully monitored level of oxidation; after steeping, a scent of tupelo blossom unfolds into a well-balanced cup with fragrant notes of fruit and plums. Quicker infusions will yield sweeter notes; longer steeps will bring out this tea's characteristic woody notes.
Price $31.50
Country: China
Region: Guangdong Province
Tasting Notes: deep, fragrant sweetness
Year of Production: Spring 2013

Quantity in Stock:8
Product Code: OC110
Qty:

Description
 
Phoenix Oolongs - True Artisan teas
Local Tea Culture
Gong fu cha has its origins in Northern Guangdong Province, and its local culture have been drinking and appreciating oolongs for several centuries. Gong fu cha not only encompasses great skill in preparing tea, but in creating the tea itself - from the style of picking the leaf, to long process of rolling and roasting afterwards, which are laboriously hand crafted. "Feng Huang", i.e. Phoenix, a renowned mountain range near the city of Chao Zhou, has been producing oolongs since the Tang Dynasty (780 AD), commanding some of the highest prices in China. The locals consume large quantities of this tea, and understand its complexities and nuances through their masterful gong fu style, which entails several short infusions in gaiwans.

Watch Mr. Liu steep some Phoenix tea, gong fu style

What makes Phoenix Oolongs Unique?
Referred to in China as 'dancong', this translates into 'single grove' tea. When mature, they become small trees. Growing high up in the mountain, they are often shrouded in fog, their trunks and branches patterned with pronounced lichen. It takes longer for the leaves to mature in these high elevations, especially if the tree is older. Therefore the yields are much lower than other oolongs that grow on bushes in large estates. Many farmers have small groves, and prize their older trees, which usually produce higher quality teas.

Another unique and special characteristic of Phoenix teas is the wide range of its fragrances. These fragrances occur naturally and come from different trees. That means no flowers or other elements are added to the leaves in the drying process.
Honey Phoenix Oolong, Single grove - Spring 2010
Our tea was grown on Mt. Wu Dong, which has one of the highest peaks (1398m) in the Phoenix Mountain range. Completely hand picked and carefully processed, these teas undergo a lengthy, slow roast over wooden charcoal, in Mr. Liu's small farmhouse. Mr. Liu's family has been in the tea business for several generations, and makes award winning teas. This tea has a toasty, honey note to it, and we recommend steeping it several times to experience the full arc of its flavor.
Instructions
Start with your favorite spring or filtered water. Heat the water to a boil.

Western Brewing Method: Use a tablespoon (3g) for a 6oz serving.

Steep for 1 minute. Remove the leaves when ready -- rely on taste, not color. Use a large enough strainer basket to allow the leaves to open and release their flavor.

Gong Fu style: use a small clay pot or gaiwan, and lots of leaf for multiple infusions. Steep for 30 seconds for each infusion. Get to know the tea by playing with the amount of leaf, the water temperature, and steeping time. Re-steep to make another cup!

For more about brewing tea, visit our Brewing Notes page.

Average Customer Review: 5 of 5 | Total Reviews: 2 Write a review.


  0 of 0 people found the following review helpful:
 
one of my favorites November 23, 2010
Reviewer: Mike Phipps from Huntsville, AL United States  
I drink alot of this tea.  I'm going through withdrawal waiting for new stock.    The honey base taste is wonderful.  And I steep several times.    I make this tea by the quarts.    I would buy it by the pound if in pursuit of tea would sell it.  Don't know if I will wait you may force me to search for it.

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  1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:
 
Complex and rich July 2, 2008
Reviewer: Suzanne from Cornwall, CT   
Best brewed gong fu style, so you can taste all the complexities in each infusion. Honey notes are strong, but not too sweet. The aroma is wonderful, and the taste lingers in the mouth for a long time. This tea gets me centered and focused...beautiful experience to drink.

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