Dong Ding Traditional A
A traditional style of Dong Ding Oolong grown on Dong Ding mountain by our friends the Su family. They have been making this rich, hearty oolong with a dedication and adherence to traditional standards for generations. We are grateful for the tea and the wisdom of Mr. and Mrs. Su, as they have been a guiding presence in our life as well as our tea practice since 2008.
Traditional Dong Ding is withered in the sun, oxidized about 30% and given a medium roast to bring out its full aroma, grippy mouthfeel and throat warming aftertaste. We like this tea, not because it is bodacious like High Mountain Oolong or elegant like Oriental Beauty, but because it is solid, grounded and powerful. We call this the 'hero' tea of Taiwan.
New batch, final roast on December 18th
A full bodied, fruit forward batch of Dong Ding with a good sense of clarity. This one is not super toasty, so won't need as long to rest before it blooms. Even six days after the final roast it's already ringing out with a nice open aroma.
Broth is thick and full with an expansive feel on the tongue that reaches with a stimulating astringency to the cheeks enough to coax out a long lasting salivation. Throat feel is very developed and warm, and you can feel the tea as it reaches down to warm the belly. Hui Gan or 'returning sweetness' follows the initial bitterness at the back of the mouth, very potently sweet and long lasting. Thus it has the 'effects' that old tea heads are looking for, i.e. strong salivation and returning sweetness.
We are really digging this batch. Sweet, aromatic and full!
Facts
- Harvest Location : Dong Ding, Nantou, Taiwan
- Roast Date : 2024 December
- Cultivar : Soft Stem [Ruan Zhi Wu Long]
- Farming : From a garden regularly tested by SGS as having 0% pesticide residues
Podcast Episode