A macro pile of Four Seasons Oolong Loose Leaf Tea
Ali Shan - Loose Leaf Tea
Four Seasons Oolong Loose Leaf Tea arranged in a circle
Four Seasons Oolong Loose Leaf Tea infusion in a glass cup

No. 94

Ali Shan - Loose Leaf Tea

£27.50
SKU: 14402CAD

A premium-grade Oolong tea from the mountains of Taiwan, this loose leaf oolong offers a milky-sweet flavour with notes of sweet apricot.

Format
size:100g Caddy
Quantity:

An exquisite grade of Oolong, our Ali Shan loose-leaf tea is grown among the mountainous hills of Chuaya County, Taiwan, and produces a delicious buttery infusion with delicate hints of milky sweet apricot.

This exceptional loose leaf, which is celebrated as one of the best high mountain Oolong teas available, is grown from the Jin Xuan cultivar at an altitude exceeding 1200m above sea level, in a dreamy climate that is blustery, cool and humid. These conditions are known for accenting a buttery mouthfeel and can be seen within other high grown teas.

Within the tea garden, each plant is lovingly nursed until the supple young tea leaves emerge. Once they reach their optimum, the leaves are picked, withered, cooled, tossed, the colour fixed by gentle heating, rolling and drying. The result is a dark green, tightly rolled and partially oxidised Oolong tea pellet with light brown stems. Brewing this tea produces a green, golden infusion that is best enjoyed throughout the day.

Region

Chiayi Region, Taiwan

Chiayi, located on Taiwan's southwestern coast, features a diverse landscape that starts with low-lying coastal plains and gradually rises eastward towards the famous Alishan mountain range. The western part of the county lies at 69m above sea level, while Alishan reaches just above 2,000m. The eastern boundary meets Mount Yu (Jade Mountain), Taiwan's highest peak at 3,952m. Chiayi ischaracterised by high levels of precipitation throughout the
year, supporting rich agricultural and natural biodiversity.

The low-lying coastal region experiences a tropical monsoon climate (Am), with hot, wet, and overcast summers, and a humid, mostly clear dry season. Temperatures here range between 15°C and 31°C. In the elevated areas, the climate shifts to subtropical highland (Cwb), with wet monsoons and cool winters. Average temperatures range from 11°C in December to 19°C in July. The misty hills, between 1,000m and 2,000m, are ideal for cultivating the renowned Alishan Oolong tea. The region’s low temperatures and high humidity foster the growth of tender, aromatic leaves. Chiayi is also famed for producing rice, pineapples, and citrus. The varying climates support diverse vegetation, including bamboo, palms, and tropical evergreens in lower areas, while higher elevations are home to cypress, red pine, spruce, and fir trees.

2-3g

200ml

100°C

3 - 5mins