The geographical provenance of Alishan Oolong tea is near the Tropic of Cancer, which is a highly ideal surrounding for tea trees to grow strong. The Ali Shan mountain range is the largest in Taiwan, that consists of 18 mountains altogether. The mountain area has a unique climate with full of moisture and high average of sunshine hours all year round; the soil texture is loamy, with good drainage. This type of soil allows the water to drain freely, while still retaining nutrients and moisture. This is the best for Alishan, given that it is mostly cultivatied in sloping tea gardens The planting is mainly of Chin-Shin-Oolong and Taicha No. 12. cultivars and are grown at 1000-1200 meters altitude.
The tea produced is ligthly fermented, lightly roasted and rolled hemispherically. The main purpose of light roasting is to give Alishan its sweet and buttery notes. For tea masters it requires a high degree of expertise to achieve optimal oxidation. In recent years, farmers in the area - just like our Tea Master, Mr. Chang - have elevated the earlier very green, unroasted tea standard to a more balanced, lightly roasted and mellowed one.
The Alishan Oolong’s tea soup is clear, elegant and golden emerald coloured. Despite of light fermentation it is able to preserve its fresh, floral aroma. Its taste is exceptionally soft and sweet, with the notes of brown sugar, apple and biscuit, that leaves a long-lasting, creamy aftertaste on the palate.
