Yu Lan Xiang

As one of only a couple canonical Dancong types to be named after a tree flower, it is perhaps not surprising that Yu Lan Xiang finishes with an aftertaste of freshly-snapped branches, complementing and complicating the nose-filling aromas of flowers and stone fruit beautifully. A touch of raspberry acidity, meanwhile, makes the astringency addictive, and keeps the nectar sweetness of the infusion from becoming too cloying. Those who find some Dancong too perfumed or prefer aromatic but dry white wine may take to this well-produced oolong from Tianyu Chaye.
  • ORIGIN:  Fenghuang, Chaoan, Chaozhou, Guangdong, China
  • MEANING:  Magnolia blossom fragrance (yu lan xiang)
  • CULTIVAR:  Yu Lan Xiang
  • HARVEST TIME:  Spring 2021
  • TASTE:  Nectar, raspberry, green wood
1
$12.50

Preparation

IN THE TEAPOT
  • Quantity: 6g / 500ml
  • Water temperature: 90°C
  • Infusion time: 4–5 min
GONGFU CHA METHOD
  • Quantity: 3g / 100ml
  • Water temperature: 90°C
  • 4 infusions: 45, 60, 60, 90 sec

For best results in gongfu cha, brew in the traditional gaiwan or in a Yixing teapot. Too high water temperature would burn the leaves, resulting in bitter taste.

Additional Information

Tianyu Chaye and Ye Hangzhong

When farmers in Chaozhou tended to sell their tea only locally, to a limited number of customers, Ye Hangzhong was someone who saw the potential in the fine Fenghuang Dancong oolongs, and has helped to bring the category to wider worldwide attention. Leveraging his many connections and deep knowledge of Dancong, he gathered many quality examples to offer them under his brand, Tianyu Chaye, becoming a famous figure in the Dancong world: a member of the Chaozhou's tea bureau, active in the major tea events in the province, and a referee in many tea competitions. When Gabriele visited him in 2014, he was amazed by the quality of the teas, which were at the time prohibitively expensive for our fledgeling business. Now, almost ten years later, we are delighted to be able to offer teas from this premium brand, selecting (with difficulty!) six out of a dozen samples to offer our customers.

Ye Hanzhong pouring a flight of teas to taste