A Tea Cup Dropped

This Alishan high-mountain Oolong has a light golden color when infused. The aroma is gentle, and to our palate, vaguely redolent of peaches and nuts. The taste is smooth, creamy and what you come to expect from Taiwanese light-roasted, high mountain oolongs; the aftertaste lingers on your palate and in the back of your throat. Although entry level, this particular tea leaf was produced by farmers who placed in the top third, in the category of oolong, among tea producers at the Spring 2006 National Taiwan Premium Tea Competition. A high-mountain oolong tea, it was grown at a height of between 3000 and 4500 feet. Economical in price, satisfying in taste and aroma, it's a good everyday drinking tea and a good tea to start with for those just beginning their journey into the world of Chinese looseleaf teas. It provides at least two good full infusions (1 teaspoon of tea in 4 ounces of water: depends on your taste).

Famous in Taiwan for its beauty, Mount Ali (Alishan) is particularly known for its 'five wonders:' sunrises, clouds, sunsets, forests and the small gage charming mountain railway. Add to that cherry blossoms and waterfalls, and you have the stuff that poetry is made of. It's hard to find a more magical, beautiful, awe-inspiring location to grow teas and taste teas.

Brewed color: Light golden. Flavor: Creamy, vaguely redolent of roasted nuts and peaches. Aftertaste: Sweet, lingering. Preparation: For best results, use spring or mineral water that has come to a vigorous boil.

Origin: Alishan Mountain, Taiwan. Classification: Light-roasted, High-mountain Oolong. Package Size: 150 grams (5.3 ounces). Grade: Entry Level.