Heavy Roasted Dong Ding

Tea Type: Oolong Tea

Tea Region: Qi Lai Mountain, Nantou County, Taiwan

Tasting Notes

• Appearance: Clear, golden-amber coloured liquor.  
• Aroma:  Strong roasted, toasty aroma (cigar, burnt sugar, grilled almonds, coffee beans) on the fore, which evolves into floral (gardenia), fruity (peach, nectarine, plum) notes. 
• Flavour: Sweet, roasted flavour (toasty, vanilla, toffee, coffee beans) with a delicate hint of peach and gardenia in the finish. 
• Mouthfeel: Well-rounded, supple liquor with a thick, syrupy mouthfeel. Lingering sweet finish. 

Brewing Guidance

• Measure 1g of tea per 100ml water. Boil water to 90℃. Steep for 4-5 minutes.

 Reference: Op. 111

Tips for Tea Connoisseurs

Qi Lai Mountain, located at the intersection of Nantou, Hualien and Taichung County, is one of high mountains in Taiwan, with its north peak reaching 3,607 meters above sea-level. As Qi Lai Mountain is a relatively untouched area of tea cultivation in Taiwan, only local tea connoisseurs in search of authentic, top quality high mountain oolong teas are familiar with oolong teas from Qi Lai Mountain. 

As is the case of all high mountain oolong teas which are are exposed to low temperature and limited sun exposure, which then results in the slow growth of tea bushes, but more concentrated flavours and textures, our Heavy Roasted Dong Ding oolong tea from Qi Lai Mountain also manifests an intense flavour reflecting its unique terroir.

Made from the precious Qing Xin cultivar tea bushes grown in the high elevations of 1800m on the Nantou side of Qi Lai Mountain, our Heavy Roasted Dong Ding has been carefully hand-plucked and artfully crafted by our renowned Tea Master, Mr. Li, who is also an appointed judge at the Lugu Farmers' Association Dong Ding Oolong Tea Competition.  

When brewed, our Heavy Roasted Dong Ding oolong tea yields an alluring liquor that offers roasted, toasty notes (cigar, grilled almonds, toffee, coffee beans) on the fore with a subtle hint of peach and gardenia in the finish. While several days of meticulous traditional roasting added depth and complexity to this Dong Ding, it hasn't covered up the refreshing yet concentrated nature of high mountain oolong teas. The mouthfeel is silky and syrupy and the sweet finish lingers exceptionally long in the palate. 

Try also our Heavy Roasted Dong Ding as a cold-brew. It makes a wonderfully refreshing and aromatic infusion that can accompany your savoury meal as a healthy, non-alcoholic alternative. 

As Qi Lai Mountain is not as well-known as Li Shan or Ali Shan, authentic Qi Lai High Mountain oolong teas are not commonly available in the markets outside Taiwan. This is a rare opportunity to try a complex, authentic Qi Lai mountain oolong tea which has been crafted with the perfectionism of a renowned tea master. 

As with all the teas, oolong tea also offers us health benefits to increase our sense of well-being. Several studies indicate that oolong tea is a rich source of antioxidant polyphenols and it may well be just as beneficial as green tea to promote weight loss and cardiovascular health by reducing high blood pressure and cholesterol. 

If you like this product you may also like 20 Years Aged Antique Oolong, Hojicha and Amber Four Seasons Spring.