Secret Garden Alishan High Mountain 2026 Spring
Color is a light, clear jade that continues throughout the infusions. Starts off in the first infusion with a oceanic salty tone, and the sweetness of sugarcane slowly takes over as the main tone starting in the second infusion. Aroma is a delicate dance between understated honeysuckle and proud orchid, the classic elegant beauty of Secret Garden leading in the highest register. It really does feel like taking a rest in a secret corner of your personal little garden when the flowers are in bloom.
We are continuously so impressed with this farmer. When we reached out in April when Alishan usually finishes harvesting, he told us the weather was not ideal so he didn't pick at peak harvest (for quantity). He was concerned he couldn't make the kind of tea he believes in at that time due to draught. So he waited. We were worried we wouldn't get a Secret Garden this season. However, in the first week of May he reached out again and told us the leaves that were tiny and sprouting out during the dry early April tea season were just now maturing. He worked his magic, and although it has a different presentation than his usual lineup, he was able to pull off a tea that feels really good in our bodies even with weather that was not cooperative.
The result? It is fragrant with bright floral tones and sugarcane in the base. It is overall a quieter, more meditative tea. Where it falls short is only in ultimate richness and refinement. Broth is not as oily or thick as usual due to the later harvest date, and this is reflected in the price. It is however still up in our favorites of the season from any mountain, even though Alishan in particular got hit hard by dry weather. This man's skill and integrity just floors us.
If you love Secret Garden in the past, I think you will love this tea. We do.
Facts
- Harvest Location : Alishan, Chiayi County, Taiwan
- Harvest Date : May, 2026
- Cultivar : Qing Xin
- Farming Method : Sustainable
- Altitude : 1400 Meters