Oriental Beauty Oolong Tea

What's so special about this tea?

This Oriental Beauty Oolong tea comes from Emei, in Hsinchu County, northwest Taiwan, the renowned region for this style of tea. It is made entirely from the Qing Xin Da Mao cultivar, considered the most authentic and prestigious for this type of production.

This batch showcases the exact character that makes Oriental Beauty so special, a profile marked by unique notes of honey and flowers. This is due to small insects called green leafhoppers, which, by feeding on the plant, cause it to produce compounds that give the tea its sweet notes and aromas.

The harvest took place in June 2025, at the peak of insect activity. It was hand-picked, selecting one bud and two leaves. The leaves display the characteristic multicolored hues of Oriental Beauty, with white hairs on the buds and a color range from green to yellow, red, and brown. The oxidation level reached 80%.

We were fortunate enough to meet two of the three generations of this family dedicated to tea production. The father, now 80 years old, entered the world of tea after returning from military service and continues with the same enthusiasm as always, although he no longer performs the most demanding tasks. Today, his son manages production, with the entire family involved. We were impressed by how they personally welcome visitors to the farm and how they work with dedication and respect for traditional methods.

This is a delicate and elegantly enveloping tea. It has an intense floral aroma with hints of lychee and ripe fruit that fills the retronasal passage. On the palate, it offers the sweetness of honey, elderflower, and a fruity note of nectarine. The infusion is golden in color, with a smooth and silky texture. The aftertaste is long and sweet, reminiscent of almond pastry.

We recommend brewing it in a porcelain or enameled gaiwan to fully appreciate its flavor. It's a delicate tea that deserves your full attention. You can visit our brewing guide on the blog for more details.