When the tieguanyin plant was first brought to Taiwan for cultivation in early 20th century, it rooted in Muzha ( 木柵 ). That is why traditionally Muzha Tieguanyin is synonymous with Taiwan Tieguanyin.
In the past few decades, however, the small area has become part of Taipei City, as urbanisation continues to engulf farmlands. Like Paochong that was first cultivated and became famous in adjacent Wenshan, a couple of really dedicated tieguanyin growers have moved their base to much more ideal growing environment in Alishan.
The extensive Alishan region, about 90 km and onward south of Dong Ding ( Cold Peak ), now hosts the complex and traditional set of Taiwan tieguanyin processing skills for the happier tieguanyin plants that grow here deep in the iconic Taiwan mountain.
As always, we have pursued quality over acclamation. Tea Hong Alishan Guanyin is a genuine traditional style tieguanyin of unparalleled quality. Slow baked to perfection by Master Chen, daughter of our major Taiwan producer and inheritor of the vanishing art of fine oolong baking.
To me, this fine selection represents the best of what a fine classic style tieguanyin can be. However, for connoisseurs who prefer a stronger, more pungent taste, please go for our Chaozhou bake style Tieguanyin Classic.
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Alishan Guanyin, deep baked Taiwan oolong
Fuller Bodies, Lighter Aromas, Neutral Energy, Oolongs, Taiwan, Tea$ 28.80Slow Baked Tieguanyin:
Over a century of development since transplanting to Taiwan, tieguanyin produced in the emerald island is quite different from its cousin in Mainland China. Not only has the cultivar evolved differently, but also the more authentic technique with which it is produced. Tea Hong’s Alishan Guanyin has a fuller and smoother taste profile. Its distinction is possible through the finesse in its slow baking. Master Chen, who bakes also our Cold Peak, has elevated the processing into an art of leaves and fire.
Net weight: 70 g (2.5 oz) in Kraft-alu pillow -
Cold Peak, matured Taiwan oolong
Lighter Aromas, Milder Tastes, Neutral Energy, Oolongs, Taiwan, Tea$ 28.90Dong Ding Classic:
The traditional style of baking Taiwan oolong is a vanishing art. That is one reason older connoisseurs are saying tea is not tasting like it used to. Indeed not many tea practitioners are doing it. One of them is Yu Wen, one of our Taiwan farmers. She is dedicated to bringing that heritage back in vogue. Taiwan oolong properly baked is healthier and friendlier to the stomach for everyone after all, and used to be what makes Cold Peak — Dong Ding — the quintessential Taiwan oolong — soft, sweet and with a warm, nectarous aroma. We proudly present to you this Taiwan wonder optimally matured for enjoyment anytime upon delivery. This tea is also available in a small portion as a part of Tea Taster’s Box: Nine Oolong Samplers.
Net weight: 70 g (2.5 oz) in Kraft-alu pillow -
Eternal Spring, floral winter oolong
Cold Energy, Floral Aromas, Milder Tastes, Oolongs, Taiwan, Tea$ 22.80Tea Hong's specially made Taiwan oolong
Winter harvest Taiwan oolongs have always been prized for crispier floral fragrance, as in the case of autumn Minnan Tieguanyins, except that Taiwan ones generally have softer bodies and aromas. While maintaining these characters, Tea Hong’s Eternal Spring excels with an exceptionally green freshness and yet a fine oolong sweetness. A taste profile most friendly for oolong rookies and yet with such unique quality that can complement any serious connoisseur’s collection. This tea is also available in a small portion as a part of Tea Taster’s Box: Nine Oolong Samplers.
Net weight: 70 g (2.5 oz) in Kraft-alu pillow pack -
Oriental Beauty, deep oxidation Taiwan oolong
Fuller Bodies, Lighter Aromas, Neutral Energy, Oolongs, Taiwan, Tea$ 29.90Dongfang Meiren
To experience why this unique Taiwan white tip oolong was nicknamed Oriental Beauty by Queen Elizabeth II, you have to taste the real thing. It is perhaps the most demanding tea to process well. Harvested only once a year in summer and after the young leaves are bitten by a kind of tiny leafhopper, genuine Dongfang Meiren can attain its special taste profile only after following the oolong processing routine modified especially for this tea. Tea Hong’s Phong-hong tè — the original name of Oriental Beauty — is a prime selection from the origin in Hsinchu, Taiwan. This tea is also available in a small portion as a part of Tea Taster’s Box: Nine Oolong Samplers.
Net weight: 50 g ( 1.8 oz ) in Kraft-alu pack
