We have been tasting Qing Xin (cultivar) high mountain Taiwanese Oolong for over 15 years and this is the FIRST one we have ever purchased for Mei Leaf! It is the definition of all of the treasures that Gaoshan (high-mountain) can bring.
Why did it take us so long? We find that most of these Qing Xin oolongs are a bit overpriced for the experience and, while they all have a fabulous freshness, can lack balance which forces you to overbrew and adds excessive astringency. This tea hits the perfect balance.
It is fresh, bright and rich in the fragrance of mountain air and raw tea leaves BUT it is soft, rounded and slightly creamy without any astringency. The taste is pure yet full, with snow-capped mountains, ripe pineapple and sweet buttermilk.
Pear Cloud is from one of the highest elevation farms in Taiwan - the very famous Fu Shou fields on Lishan. This tea is from 2650m elevation, made from the Qing Xin cultivar which has been conditioned through natural selection to survive the cold temperatures and strong UV lights of such high peaks.
High Mountain Oolongs are revered because:
- The air and soil are so remote and pure.
- The cold nights forces the plant to develop unique flavours and make the plant grow slower for richer tea.
- The higher UV forces the plant to produce more catechins to protect itself.
- The misty environment diffuses the sun's heat and moisturises the leaves.
- There are fewer insects meaning less need for any pesticides.
Pear Cloud is truly a definer of what high-mountain Oolongs represent - fresh, fragrant and purifying. Don't forget to get everything out of the leaves by cold-brewing after your session.
