Oolong or 'Wu Long' translates as Black Dragon and refers to a method of production that produces a tea somewhere between oxidised black tea and non-oxidised green tea. This is why they are sometimes known as semi-oxidised and in China "Blue" teas. Dependent on how oxidised they are, we are given an incredible variety of spectacular flavours and fragrances to experience. The processing of these highest quality oolongs is carried out by a tea master whose experience and technique will have been learned over at least thirty years and is as important as the growing conditions to the quality of the final product. They are rich in antioxidants, are believed to lower cholesterol and aid digestion and relaxation. Although the prices of the most famous varieties may seem a little high it is worth pointing out that the same leaves will withstand between 8 to 10 infusions making each cup cost just a few pence. China's 'Famous' oolong producing areas are Wuyi Mt, Anxi Mt and Fenghuang or 'Phoenix' Mt. These three places produce three distinctly different styles of tea and very varying characteristics within their own area.
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As low as £27.00
The most renowned of the four famous 'Rock' teas of the Wuyi Mountain and one of the most highly prized of China's 'Famous Ten'. These ancient trees grow in the mineral-rich, sandy soil and yield just one pound of tea each. Believed to be one of the healthiest teas The infusion is golden coloured, with a rich, fruity fragrance and mellow, sweet taste that has a hint of apricots and a subtle aftertaste of toasted bread with Seville orange marmalade./p>
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As low as £31.00Song Zhong Wang, which means 'King of Song Dynasty Kind' is the very best type of Phoenix Dancong Oolong. It has been famous for over 900 years and this batch was grown on cuttings from wild tea trees over 600 years old. In examples of the very best tea, such as the one you are trying, the tea master will bring out notes of nectarine, toffee, peach, lilac, camellia and neroli to name but a few. Of course it is named after the Honey Orchid flower which indicates its predominant characteristic.
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As low as £19.00
The original shape of the silky textured, delicate and glossy leaves emerges from the skilfully rolled pellets of this famous tea. These leaves are fringed and spotted with an iron red colour given by the partial exhibition. It is this that gives it the deliciously butterscotch fragrance and sweet, fruity flavour that typify the best Tie Guan Yin teas. This famous Oolong is grown on the highest peak in Anxi. It takes its name from the Iron Goddess of Mercy.
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As low as £18.00
The tea releases a remarkable fruit and floral fragrance and soft fruit flavour which lingers in the mouth for hours and in the cup for days! This is perfectly balanced by the trademark refreshing astringency, like the flesh and zest of a tangerine. This is from the highest graded group of Phoenix or Fenghuang oolongs known as 'Dancong' (meaning single tree). This one grows in the Xiangyun area on a mountain at an altitude of 300 metres. The bushes are cloned from an original tea tree and the Mi Lan strain is thought the closest in style to the famous old Song Zhong Phoenix teas.
