Shan Lin Xi High Mountain 2026 Spring
Available 11am (PST), 5/15/26
The first thing I noticed with this tea is the slick, mineral mouthfeel. It slips and slides around the mouth leaving behind an impression of 'rock-milk' that I feel is unique to Shan Lin Xi tea.
Aroma is piney-grapefruit in the high notes with a sweet, mellow fruit like pear in the mids and what I really taste as honey to round it out in the lower register.
It also has a verdant piquancy that gives it a muscley feel but still somehow manages to maintain smoothness overall. I think this combination of traits is what makes Shan Lin Xi completely unique among high mountain growing regions.
I've been thinking for years on how exactly to describe in words what I've come to love so much about Shan Lin Xi teas in particular. I've come to use the word 'athletic' which I think really captures the feel of the tea itself - it's zippy, fast moving, mineral slippery broth - but not quite how we relate to it as drinkers. The word just came to me though : invigorating. It gives an uplifting, powerful energy. While you may choose Lishan tea for a wispy, poetic or even meditative experience, and Alishan tea for an adorable, sweet and familiar session, Shan Lin Xi tea is just plain vigorous in a way that other high mountain teas aren't. After or before a good workout, on a break during a long study session, taking a moment to rest on a road trip - I think Shan Lin Xi holds a unique advantage over the other high mountains in these scenarios.
Anyway, I'm really enjoying this one on a hot, muggy Taiwanese day. I hope you will love it as much as I do!
Facts
- Harvest Location : Shan Lin Xi, Nantou, Taiwan
- Harvest Date : April, 2026
- Cultivar : Qing Xin
- Farming Method : Conventional
- Altitude : 1500 Meters