High Mountain

Sale price Price $19.00 USD Regular price

Alishan High Mountain Oolong Tea

Taiwan is known around the world for its outstanding oolongs. Locally, teas grown over 1000m elevation are classified as "High Mountain Tea" or Gao Shan Cha and are extremely prized. Due to thin air at high altitudes, the growth is slower and the yield is lower, but the result is truly exceptional.

During our travels to Taiwan, we were welcomed in by the Deng family in Alishan who have been producing high mountain oolong for over 30 years. The family let us witness and experience the entire craft from start to finish: From picking and withering, to tossing, frying, ball-rolling, and finally charcoal-roasting. The scenery in the Alishan tea hills was equally magnificent, with a picturesque "sea of clouds" or Yunhai rolling in at various times throughout the day, bringing moisture to the tea plants. The taste and depth of this handcrafted Qingxin oolong reflects this complex and beautiful ecosystem.

We've selected a lighter roast level to showcase the fresh, high mountain taste. Enjoy the vegetal and roasted notes, depth in the cup, and clean finish that is characteristically high mountain. For those who enjoy savory green teas, this is one to try. Because of its clean profile, it's one of the teas we reach for most often.

Rated a 4.5 / 5 by Canadian tea blogger, Tea in Spoons. Read Connie's review of our High Mountain oolong here.

Tea Specs

NOTES Vegetal, Roasted Chestnut, Clean Finish

ORIGIN Alishan, Taiwan | 1350m Elevation | The Deng Family

PICKED April 2022 (Spring harvest)

LEAF Qingxin Cultivar | 1 half open bud & 2-3 leaves

CRAFT Picked, withered, tossed, fried, ball-rolled & charcoal-roasted

BENEFITS Rich in minerals and vitamins

CAFFEINE Yes

Brew Instructions

We recommend brewing in a Gaiwan or Yixing Teapot for this tea, but it can also be enjoyed Western style.

Gongfu Brew (Gaiwan): 4g | 150ml | 95°C | 1 min | +20 sec for additional brews | Can steep ~ 6 times

Western Brew (Mug / Teapot): 5g | 350ml | 95°C | 2 min | + 1 min for additional brews | Can steep ~ 3 times

Cold-Brew (Pitcher): 12g | 750ml | Room temp | 8 hours in fridge | Strain & serve

Farm Story

The tea master behind our High Mountain oolong, Mr. Deng, and his wife, son and daughter were incredibly hospitable and proud to share their craft. Mr Deng is self taught and learned the art of tea making 30 years ago, and is now training his son and daughter.

Watching them carry out the steps, they would often work into late hours of the night, since producing oolong is very time-sensitive and they do everything in small batches. To finish the tea, Mr. Deng slow-roasts it over charcoal ash: A traditional method that produces a consistent and high quality roast. A true testament to their passion, pride and hard work.

Harvested only twice a year, the winter harvest (November) is celebrated for more body and aftertaste, while the spring harvest (April) is more about the aroma. See if you can notice the subtle differences in season. A fun way to test your taste palate!

Customer Tea Moments

This tea is awesome!

Really enjoying the smoothness of the tea. I usually like to drink it after lunch, as it gives me a mellow, creamy aftertaste as I work.

Taiwan in a tea 🍵

I was lucky enough to accompany Mona on one of her trips to Alishan and meet Mr Deng and his family in person. This tea is the embodiment of everything we love about Taiwan: the pristine mountain air, the dedication to quality and the warmth of family. Every time I taste this tea, I’m transported back to Alishan. And, it goes great with cake 😉

Refreshing and Clear Tasting

I am a big fan of this tea's clear taste, with a good steep in my filtered water the light tasting tea fills your mouth with that distinct "green tea" taste. It's smooth, light, clear and refreshing.
It's a favorite of my guests as well. I've nearly finished it and will have to order more soon!