Golden Roots № 1 (Oolong)

Facts

Golden Roots № 1 is a wild farmed tea from Zhushan in Nantou, Taiwan, cultivated at an altitude of 800 meters. This tea garden has transitioned from conventional farming to wild cultivation for over 20 years, allowing the land to reach a purified and balanced state. The tea is produced from 40 - 50-year-old Da Ye Oolong trees, a rare cultivar in Taiwan. These mature trees extend their roots up to 2 meters deep, penetrating into the rocky substrate to absorb trace elements and minerals, which impart a unique mineral and stone-milk aroma（石乳香）. The cultivar is known for its rich floral and fruity fragrance, enhanced by a caramelized sweetness that distinguishes this tea.

Source

This tea is crafted by a Taiwanese tea master specializing in traditional longan wood charcoal roasting. With over 20 years of Buddhist practice and two published books on tea, the master approaches tea roasting with a philosophy of "non-ego," derived from Buddhist teachings. Instead of imposing personal aesthetics or intentions onto the tea, he focuses on observing and enhancing the tea's inherent qualities. Charcoal roasting is used not to embellish but to refine and reveal the tea's natural essence. The result is a tea with a nuanced texture that feels as though it resonates deeply within the cells—light yet full-bodied, intricate yet harmonious.

Flavor Profile

This medium-oxidized, medium-roasted oolong tea features an elegant floral fragrance, ripe fruit richness, and the woody undertones characteristic of mature tea trees. The tea is both sweet and aromatic, with a solid base reflecting the terroir. Its finish carries a grounding depth reminiscent of aged raw Puer, while the charcoal roast subtly underscores its stability. This tea is a delicate balance of feminine grace and neutral earthiness, offering complexity with a grounded simplicity.

Drinking Suggestion

This tea delivers a nuanced and dynamic flavor experience while maintaining a rustic, natural undertone. It has a grounding presence, making it an ideal choice for moments of stress or busyness, helping to stabilize the mind and clear away agitation. Its rich connection to the land offers a sense of balance and serenity with each sip.

Gongfu Style

Use 5 – 5.5 g of tea leaves with 100 ml of water at 100°C. Steep for 40 seconds initially, increasing subsequent infusions by 5 – 10 seconds.

Western Style

Use 3 g of tea leaves with 500 ml of water, steeping for 3 – 5 minutes.

Why We Share This Tea

The first time I tasted this tea, I was deeply moved by its honest expression of the earth. That moment remains vivid, a reminder that tea often touches something deeper than flavor — it conveys the messages of nature, opening our body, mind, and consciousness to another level of awareness. It naturally guides us toward a state of peace and stability, offering not just a drink but an experience of grounded harmony.

Key Information at a Glance

Cultivar • Da Ye Oolong

Type • Oolong

Origin • Zhu Shan, Nantou, Taiwan

Elevation • 800 m

Farming Method • wild-farmed

Harvest • spring 2015, hand-picked

Oxidation • medium / heavy

Roasting • heavy charcoal roasted

Age of Tree • 40 - 50 years