Batch 103 of the Eco-Cha Tea Club is a spring 2024 batch of Lalashan High Mountain Oolong Tea from Taiwan. Lalashan is the northernmost high elevation tea growing region in Taiwan. It is much further north than Li Shan, but it is much less renowned. We sought out this spring batch of tea from Lalashan due to the difference in weather during the spring growing season. While Li Shan received adequate rainfall, Shan Lin Xi and Alishan didn't get rain until close to the end of the growing season. Lalashan, being furthest north, got plenty of rain, and had normal weather conditions for this spring crop. We can see by the healthy-sized nuggets of rolled leaves above that this crop flourished.
These fully matured but still supple and tender leaves brew a vibrant, fresh herbal flavor profile with a substantial, yet soft floral finish. The tea has a soft, smooth mouthfeel with little or no astringency. It offers a buttery, savory character with a fresh, soothing floral bouquet in the aftertaste. The oxidation level was the lightest out of the 5 days of harvest from the same farm that we tasted — offering the freshest, most aromatic profile.
The limpid, bright yellow appearance of the brewed tea is testimony to its skillful processing. More yellow than green, but not at all golden or orange is what a high mountain tea is meant to exhibit. There is a viscosity to the brew, but it is pure and integrated in its profile. It is neither too green or vegetal, nor muddled or variegated in flavor.
When we recorded the tasting video, we hadn't tasted this tea in perhaps a month. It was a wonderful reminder of its vivacious yet smooth, balanced character. Watch the video for the full detailed account!
LET US KNOW!
Please post any questions or comments you may have in the comments section below!
SUBSCRIBE!
If you enjoyed this post and would like to hear more about the specialty tea industry here in Taiwan, follow us on YouTube, Facebook, and Instagram and please subscribe to our newsletter. Subscribe now and get US$5 off your first order.