Ruan Zhi Oolong Tea from Thailand

What's so special about this tea?

This is a tea for those who enjoy delicate and sweet aromas. A fine example of Thai tea made with the Ruan Zhi cultivar (TESS No. 17), lightly oxidized to highlight its expressive floral profile and the creamy nuances characteristic of this cultivar.

The Ruan Zhi cultivar, also known as "soft stem" in Chinese, was developed by the Tea Research and Extension Station (TRES) in Taiwan and later introduced to Thailand, where it is primarily grown in the Mae Salong region, one of the country's best areas for oolong tea cultivation. This lot comes from a tea garden located high on a hillside, 1,200 meters above sea level.

This lot comes from a respected family tea garden that has cultivated oolong for over four decades. Currently, the garden is run by a second-generation tea master with a vision to elevate Thai oolong and create a distinctive character. Focusing on attentive cultivation and careful processing, this lot is one of his creations: hand-picked with the first leaves of the season and lightly oxidized to bring out the true character of the cultivar.

The brewed tea reveals delicate aromas of flower garden, crème anglaise, and pandan. Its pale yellow infusion offers a medium body and a smooth texture. On the palate, notes of white flowers, pudding, pear, and a subtle lemon peel acidity emerge, with a long, sweet finish accompanied by a pleasant hint of grapefruit. An exceptional oolong tea, whose complexity reflects the unique character of the cultivar, the region, and the potential of Thai tea.