Mountain Echo № 18 (Black Tea)

Facts

This wild black tea is crafted from tea trees growing untamed for over 30 years in the mountainous region of Hsinchu, Taiwan, at an altitude of 600 – 700 meters. These trees are unique due to their robust health and resilience, thriving naturally without human interference. Qingxin Oolong cultivar is typically used to produce oolong tea, and its transformation into black tea is exceptionally rare, making this tea uniquely distinctive in the market.

Source

Handcrafted by an elder passionate about nature, this tea is made from old tea trees found near his home in undeveloped forests. Each step of production—from hand-plucking to careful processing—is done manually, preserving the essence of the natural environment. The resulting tea is delicate, smooth, and imbued with a nurturing energy. Every batch is produced in extremely limited quantities only.

Flavor Profile

This tea exudes a vibrant, fresh aroma reminiscent of early spring mornings. Notes of dried fruit, subtle florals, and a hint of old trees create a layered and complex profile. The liquor is bright, golden-red, and possesses a refreshing sweetness with a clean finish. The wild character of the tea is evident in every sip, offering a lively yet deeply grounding experience.

Drinking Suggestion

This tea’s calm and mature character makes it an excellent choice for colder days, providing warmth and energy to the body. It’s an ideal companion to end a busy weekday evening or to create a peaceful weekend ritual, helping you reconnect with your inner self.

Gongfu Style

Use 2.5 g of tea leaves with 100 ml of water at 95° C. Steep for 20 seconds initially, adding 5 – 10 seconds for subsequent brews.

Western Style

Use 3 g of tea leaves with 500 ml of water and steep for 2 – 3 minutes.

Why We Pick This Tea

Produced in small batches using traditional artisan methods, this tea is both refined and full-bodied, offering a gelatinous texture and a harmonious complexity that machine-processed teas cannot achieve. My first encounter with it left me in awe. Through this handcrafted tea, I discovered an unparalleled purity that arises from minimal mechanical intervention. It felt as though I was directly drinking in the essence of the mountains—infused with warmth and a unique, rounded personality. It evokes a deep emotional resonance.

Beyond this tea, we offer three additional handcrafted black teas from the same artisan, each showcasing unique varietals, flavors, and craftsmanship: Red Wild № 16, Mountain Echo № 17, Healing Glow № 19. Every tea promises an equally enriching journey of exploration and appreciation.

Key Information at a Glance

Cultivar • Qing Xin Oolong

Type • black tea

Origin • Hsinchu, Taiwan

Elevation • 350 m

Farming Method • wild-farmed

Harvest • fall 2024, hand-picked

Oxidation • heavy

Roasting • none