Honeydew № 12 (Oriental Beauty)
Facts
Honeydew № 12 is an Oriental Beauty, a high-oxidation Oolong tea celebrated for its distinctive natural honey aroma. This characteristic arises from the clean and pesticide-free growing conditions, allowing small leafhoppers to nibble on the tea leaves during the summer, triggering a chemical reaction that produces the signature honey fragrance. Made from the Jin Xuan cultivar, this tea is grown naturally in Pinglin, Taipei, and has been aged for seven years.
Source
This tea comes from Bai Ge, a long-time collaborator dedicated to sustainable tea cultivation. His approach involves minimal intervention, allowing nature to dictate the rhythm of growth. The tea plants coexist with other flora, creating a biodiverse ecosystem that enriches the soil and results in deeply flavorful leaves. With only one to two harvests per year, the focus is on quality and letting the land rejuvenate.
Flavor Profile
Honeydew № 12 features a rich bouquet of floral, fruity, and honey notes, balanced by a mellow and slightly woody undertone from the aging process. The tea has a calm, soothing character with a smooth mouthfeel, offering clarity and brightness despite its depth. Over time, the tea’s layers have melded, creating a more cohesive and harmonious flavor profile while retaining aging potential.
Drinking Suggestion
This tea is approachable for beginners due to its pleasant and easy-to-understand flavor profile. It can be enjoyed at any time without much preparation, offering a dependable, high-quality experience.
Gongfu Style
Use 4 – 4.5 g of tea leaves with 100 ml of water at 85° C. Steep for 50 seconds initially, increasing by 10 – 20 seconds for subsequent infusions.
Western Style
Use 3 g of tea leaves, steeping for 3 – 5 minutes.
Cold Brew
Place 3 g of tea in 500 – 800 ml of water and refrigerate overnight (or around 8 hours). The resulting brew is sweet, light, and refreshing, perfect for sipping throughout the day.
Why We Share This Tea
Some Oriental Beauty teas can be overly aromatic and cloying, but Honeydew № 12 strikes a balance with its aged, understated character. The natural farming methods imbue it with a softness and authenticity that’s rare in heavily processed teas. Its refined yet accessible profile makes it a perfect introduction to premium Oolong teas while still appealing to seasoned drinkers.
