Fenghuang Dan Cong
Huang Zhi Xiang
Yellow Branch Fragrance
2010 Late Spring

• Wu Dong Mountain, Chao Zhou county (Phoenix Mountains)

• Guangdong Province, China

• 70% Oxidation

• Charcoal-fired in the traditional manner

• Large, elegant, single, open, slightly-twisted flat leaf

• Honey sweet flavor, richly nuanced with layers of fruit and flowers

• Rich, lingering aftertaste with the suggestion of citrus and lily

• Floral and seductive aroma reminiscent of gardenias and orchids

• Multiple infusions

• Clear amber liquor tinged with silver

• 1 year rested

This tea is from old tea trees ( single-trunk trees ) and is named for its individual 'fragrance'. The 'fragrance' identifies the specific cultivar of old tea tree ( or in some cases young tea bush ) that the leaf was plucked from.

This dan cong is named for its specific cultivar - Huang Zi Xiang (Yellow Branch Fragrance). Our Huang Zi Xiang is made from leaf plucked from old tea trees and not from young, cultivated tea bushes. The quantity of old tea tree dan cong available each year is very limited because the number of old tea trees is small. Additionally, the number of old tea trees that comprise each ‘fragrance’ ( there are over 30 different identified ‘fragrances’) can be as little as one tree.

Huang Zi Xiang is one of the most special oolongs that we have ever had the pleasure to share with our tea enthusiast customers. For lovers of sweet dessert wines, this beguiling dan cong is for you. Huang Zi Xiang begins with a lush symphony of intense sweet floral aroma in the cup. The flavor of the liquor delivers a lovely challenge to the taste buds as it underscores the bouquet of floral notes with a little spark of citrus.

This dan cong has a honeyed body and an almost chewy texture that balances the layers of flavor present perfectly. This Huang Zi Xang will keep and age ( mature) for many years - so keep it cool and fairly airtight.

Western-style steeping: (Medium to large sized teapot: 20-32 oz)
Use 2 Tablespoons (2-3 grams) of tea per each 6oz water
Steep 1-3 infusions at 2-3 minutes each.
Water temperature should be 195˚ - 205˚ F

Asian-style steeping: (small teapots under 10 oz or a gaiwan)
Use 4 Tablespoons (5-6 grams) of tea per each 6oz water
Steep upwards of 6-8 infusions (or more!) at 10 seconds to 1 minute each
Water temperature should be 195˚ - 205˚ F