Bug Bitten Shanlinxi Oolong
A simple to-the-point name for a rare tea, this one is, in fact, a bug bitten Shanlinxi. The oolong itself is decent if nothing special, but the fact that it has some bug bites so early in the season means it is unique, and worth a try if you are a fan of the Shanlinxi terroir. And we got it at a great price to boot!
A bite from the Green Leaf Hopper on a new tea bud induces a defensive reaction where the plant will release a sticky substance that we humans perceive to have the same taste as honey. In this oolong, the early season bug bites have created something unique, a full honey sweet vegetal/floral upfront spring oolong flavor that is hard to find as it needs just the right weather conditions for the bugs to be numerous enough to bring out the sweet.
Compared with the perennial favorite Phoenix Valley Shanlinxi Oolong, this more affordable Big Bitten Shanlinxi has more upfront flavors and less of a lingering aftertaste as it is from a lower elevation garden, but the sweet floral vegetal offered up in the first steeps, or when brewed western style, is wonderful.
Elevation: 1200m
Status: Tested Agrochemical Free
Cultivar: QinXin
Oxidization: 20%
Season: Spring, 2024
Method: Hand picked, processed on site, small batch
Region: Shanlinxi, Nantou
Recommend Brewing Style:
Gong Fu Style: 3-5g per 100ml, ~100C water, 30, 45, 60 then add 5-10 seconds steeps in gaiwan. Lasts 4-5+ steeps.
Western Style: 3g per 100ml, ~95c water for 3 minutes. Lasts 2-3 steeps.
