Ying Xiang Hong Oolong

This Ying Xiang Hong Oolong offers a smooth and warming experience. Its natural sweetness, reminiscent of apple, is complemented by subtle notes of fennel and red berries. Its well-rounded, full-bodied texture comforts the drinker with every sip, making it perfect for those who enjoy a cozy, mellow tea.

The less known cultivar Ying Xiang (Tai Cha #20) is finding its way more and more into the market for its characteristic taste, sharing similarities with Qing Xin, from which it was partially bred.

Hong oolong teas are processed in two ways: one closer to black tea, with longer oxidation, and the other closer to oolong, with more rolling. The longer oxidation gives the tea richness and depth often associated with black tea while retaining the complexity of an oolong. This unique processing style may surprise those expecting a typical oolong, blending the boldness of black tea with the layered nuances of oolong in a truly distinctive way.

Written by Mauzi

The tea master

Liao Wei-Chun, based in Taipei City, is a distinguished student of Huangtan Chen, known in the Western world as Atong, arguably Taiwan’s most renowned tea expert. Master Chen’s tea classes at the community college in Taipei attract numerous enthusiasts, yet only two students have the privilege of teaching alongside him. Master Wei-Chun is one of these select few.

With extensive connections throughout Taiwan, Master Wei-Chun dedicates much of the harvest season to visiting various tea gardens, where he processes tea in small batches. He possesses a deep expertise in traditional Oolong processing, yet he is also known for his innovative spirit, experimenting with new leaf varieties and processing techniques. This modern approach, coupled with the solid foundation inherited from Master Chen, yields impressive results. The consistency and quality of his exceptional teas are unparalleled in our tea sourcing journey.

During the tea off-season, Master Wei-Chun can often be found in ski resorts in Japan, where he teaches downhill skiing.