Golden Roots № 1 (Oolong)
Golden Roots № 1 (Oolong)
Portrait
The farmer family lost their father early due to conventional tea farming methods which often come with constant exposure to chemical toxins. In response to the loss his son converted the land into a natural tea farm with minimal human interference: Neither pesticides nor fertilizer are applied without irrigation system in place. The land has been cultivated this way for over two decades. This has allowed the 40 - 50 year old tea trees to develop a deep reaching root-base of up to 160 cm which lets them penetrate the rock layer and absorb minerals from there, leading to the distinct rock flavor (石乳香).
Nowadays the common way of roasting loose leaf tea is via electricity (convection and conduction). The tea transforms in a quick, clean and easy to control way. However, heat can only be applied on the surface which makes for a harsher result. In contrast to this Tea Master Lai is committed to traditional charcoal roasting. In this elaborate process infrared energy reaches the core of the cells and reshapes the character of the tea into a vivid and energetic direction. Technicalities aside: Have you ever enjoyed the penetrating warmth of a campfire on a crisp night? Compare this to a conventional wall mounted heater. Both sources emit warmth but they feel very different. The same principle applies to tea.
The maturity of the tea tree clearly sets the tone. Notes of wood and ripe fruit are present with a rock flavor (石乳香) finish at the end of each sip. The signature of this tea - like all teas processed by Tea Master Lai - are the finely layered charcoal roasting aromas. They shape this Oolong's character while leaving enough space for all the other elements to shine.
Information
Cultivar • Da Ye Oolong
Type • Oolong
Origin • Zhu Shan, Nantou, Taiwan
Elevation • 800 m
Farming method • wild
Harvest • spring 2015, hand-picked
Oxidation • medium / heavy
Refinement • heavy charcoal roasting
Age of tree • 40 - 50 years
Brewing Suggestion
• red clay Zhisha tea pot
• 100 °C
• 5,5 g | 100 ml
• 30 s - 35 s - 40 s - ...