You are now a seasoned veteran of Taiwanese teas. It has been hard work and you’ve spent alot of time and money, but it’s been worth it. You’ve tasted and mastered the whole lineup… Dong Ding, Baozhong, Oriental Beauty, uber-fresh straight from Taiwan high-mountain teas…Alishan, Lishan, Shan Li Xi, Da Yu Ling. What’s next!? Like a hero fighting through swarms of villains in an awesomely bad 70s kung-fu film you are ready for the royal court, a family of the biggest, baddest, and most premium Taiwanese gaoshan. (more…)
Author: James
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Dan Chan Dong Cheon Korean Black Tea [Episode 21]
In Episode 21, James & Denny finish up a short, two-episode series with a true rarity, Korean Black Tea. Like the Jungjak in Episode 20, the Danchan comes from Dong Cheon teas. Grown from the Hadong region, using high-quality Sejak leaves this is a truly unique tea. This tea can be purchased in the western world from Phoenix Tea House.
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Jungjak Dong Cheon Korean Green Tea [Episode 20]
James & Denny do a short, two-episode series on some green tea acquired during James’ recent trip to Korea. From the Hadong growing region they review the lovely young-leaved Jungjak from Dong Cheon teas. This tea can be purchased in the western world from Phoenix Tea House.
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The Price of Low-Elevation Taiwanese Tea
What is the average price of Jin Xuan? What about Oriental Beauty? Should I be buying in bulk?? Taiwan offers an eclectic and flavorful lineup of oolongs that goes far beyond their wonderful but pricy high-mountain collection. Though the western world remains a distant minority in Taiwanese oolong consumption, in recent years the amount of western-facing vendors has quietly and quickly multiplied. This can likely be attributed to increasing demand, the ever-increasing size of the internet and Taiwan’s close political and economic connections with the west. With a suddenly large pool of online vendors sourcing or shipping from Taiwan, western consumers have an opportunity to make decisions and choices not previously available. Now…let’s go shopping!
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Hehuanshan Taiwanese High-Mountain Oolong [Episode 19]
James & Denny complete a short mini-series on a couple high-mountain teas from Floating Leaves Spring 2013 selection with an offbeat indie high-mountain selection Hehuanshan. Elevation-wise the tea was harvested well-above the high-mountain cutoff at 2,000 meters. For complimentary reading on Taiwanese Oolongs check out the Taiwanese Oolong Compendium, the Price of High-Mountain tea, and the Taiwanese Tea Vendor Guide.
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Alishan Taiwanese High-Mountain Oolong [Episode 18]
James & Denny start a short mini-series on a couple high-mountain teas from Floating Leaves Spring 2013 selection. This episode covers a classic favorite, the Alishan high-mountain oolong. For complimentary reading on Taiwanese Oolongs check out the Taiwanese Oolong Compendium, the Price of High-Mountain tea, and the Taiwanese Tea Vendor Guide.
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Taiwanese Oolong (& Black) Cultivars & TRES
The words cultivar and varietal are often used interchangeably (and incorrectly) around in the tea community. On this particular topic there is a ton of directly conflicting information and incorrect statements even amongst reputable sources. Knowing cultivars may seem ultra-technical and seem like impractical knowledge but it can be very useful (most importantly helping out in purchasing, understanding, and appreciating good tea). This article will examine all these issues, specifically in regards to Taiwanese teas. What is the difference between a cultivar and varietal? What constitutes a varietal? What about a cultivar? (more…)
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Big Red Robe Oolong [Episode 17]
James & Denny are again joined by special guest Zach to complete their three-episode series on Teavivre. Up last is the very famous, bold, pungent tea from the Wuyi Mountains, Da Hong Pao or Big Red Robe.
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Fengqing Golden Buds 2005 Shu Pu’erh [Episode 16]
James & Denny are again joined by a guest Zach for the second episode in a three-episode series on Teavivre. Episode 16 covers their premium Ripe Pu’eh offering from 2005, Fengqing Golden Buds 2005.
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Taiwanese Tea Vendor Guide
There are a number of vendors in the western world that offer Taiwanese Oolongs. Prices vary dramatically vendor to vendor and tea to tea (cheap, expensive) and there are even Taiwanese tea forgeries (i.e. grown in China/Thailand, harvested in a Taiwanese style and marketed as Formosa/Gaoshan Oolong). Navigating the online vendor landscape can be a difficult and often costly endeavor. This section will simply try to help you get what you pay! This article was originally intended to be part of the Taiwanese Oolong Compendium but it quickly became obvious it should be its own separate article. For those interested in a more data-driven approach to the price and finding the best deal for Taiwanese Gaoshan, check out the price of high-mountain oolong. (more…)