Description

Oriental Beauty is a truly unique Oolong, with a relatively short but illustrious history dating back to the early 1900s. Its level of oxidation can range from 40% to 70%, but what truly sets it apart is the unique “bitten” process. The leaves are intentionally damaged by a small insect, the tea leafhopper, which stimulates the plant to produce a complex array of defense compounds, including terpenes, essential oils, and aromatic molecules. These compounds are responsible for the tea’s extraordinary flavor profile.
Each year, due to varying climatic conditions and insect activity, the flavor and appearance of Oriental Beauty can change slightly, making each harvest a unique expression of the tea. We encourage you to explore different grades and vintages to experience the full spectrum of this remarkable tea.
Tasting Notes: Oriental Beauty offers an incredibly complex flavor profile that can vary from year to year, but certain characteristics are consistently present. Particularly in the higher grades, the tea gives its best in the first infusion, delivering an explosion of flavor and aroma that is both intense and harmonious. Subsequent infusions reveal a more nuanced complexity, with distinct floral, spicy, and woody notes.
We recommend infusing at 85°-90°C in a 100-120 ml gaiwan, using 4-5 grams of tea for infusions ranging from 40 to 90 seconds.