Li Shan, known as Pear Mountain, is a region in central Taiwan renowned for its elegant and flavorful high mountain oolong teas.
Grown at an elevation of 1,800 meters, our spring-harvested Li Shan oolong is rich and smooth with a balance of fruity and floral notes. The taste offers hints of sweet peach and citrus blossoms and the aroma is lightly floral and sweet. The liquid has a pleasantly viscous texture reminiscent of butter cream.
Teas grown at altitudes over 1,000 meters (3,300 feet) are referred to as "gao shan cha", or high mountain tea. These high mountain teas are highly prized by tea connoisseurs in Taiwan, since the higher the altitude at which the tea plant is grown, the more complex and interesting its aromas and flavors will be. The colder temperatures slow the growth of the tea plant and increase the concentration of aromatic oils in the leaves. In addition, the abundant cloud cover and thick fog filters sunshine for most of the day, allowing the leaves to produce more intense flavors while tempering the bitterness that can result from too much sun exposure.
Brewing Guide
We recommend brewing Li Shan Oolong in the gongfu style, using a small teapot or gaiwan, to appreciate the wonderful aromatics and the unique flavors that unfurl over several infusions. Add tea leaves to fill the teapot about one-third full and rinse the leaves briefly with hot water. Pour the rinse water out and then refill the pot with hot water and let the tea steep about 45 seconds to 1 minute. Increase the steeping time by 10-15 seconds for each subsequent brew. Most oolong teas can be re-steeped at least 6 times in this manner.
