Jin Xuan Red Oolong Tea from Thailand

What's so special about this tea?

This red oolong comes from Mae Salong Mountain in Chiang Rai Province, Thailand, one of the country's finest regions for high-quality oolong. This batch is from a tea garden located high on the mountainside, 1,200 meters above sea level. It is made with the Jin Xuan variety, and the plant was originally brought from Taiwan.

The tea is crafted by a young, second-generation tea master. It's a red oolong, a hybrid of oolong and black tea. This style was originally developed in Luye, Taiwan. The key is achieving a high oxidation level of 80–85%, similar to black tea, while maintaining the traditional oolong processing methods.

This Thai version takes that base and makes it its own. The techniques are carefully adjusted to achieve a smoother profile, with notes of baked pastry, honeyed sweetness, and a warm, floral fragrance that instantly fills the room. Starting with the red oolong style from Luye, Taiwan, the master has created his own interpretation, defining a distinct Thai identity for this tea.

The aroma is captivating, combining brown sugar, brioche, dried plum, and a hint of chocolate with orange and licorice. The infusion is orange in color, with a creamy and smooth texture. On the palate, honeyed sweetness blends with notes of almond croissant, baked apple, and peach liqueur, while the long finish highlights its sweet and floral undertones.

This distinctive tea has been well-received internationally, winning a gold medal at the prestigious World Green Tea Contest in Japan. Impossible to overlook, it holds a well-deserved place in our oolong collection.

We recommend preparing it in a clay teapot or gaiwan to enjoy it to the fullest.