Pinglin Natural Farming "Dragonfly" Baozhong Oolong Tea - Winter 2018

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We finally have another Baozhong that is made from Qing Xin Oolong varietal. After so many seasons of absence, we are confident enough this will be a proper Qing Xin Baozhong to offer to you again.

Baozhong, one of the oldest tea types in Taiwan, is probably the most unique tea type in the world. The reason for it being named “Baozhong” (包種) is interesting. Some say it is called “Baozhong” (包種) because of a typo from “Se Zhong” (色種), which means a special varietal that is different from the traditional varietal from Wu Yi (武夷), and people miswrote the two words.

Another more convincing, and well known in Japanese document, recorded that the name Baozhong was derived from the way in which tea merchants at that time packed their tea products with folding paper, because “Baozhong” in Han character literally “the type of tea that was packed.” Furthermore, this is again, one of the most crucial points for Baozhong being classified as “Baozhong” in 19th century, is that it was a scented oolong tea with flowers such as osmanthus. Eventually, the old Baozhong evoluted to the modern Baozhong we are more familiar with today after the innovative process invented by tea masters in the 1910s, which made the new type of Baozhong no longer required to be scented with flower to carry a floral aroma.

However, despite them being very similar, the 21st century Baozhong and 20th century Baozhong, are two totally different tea types now after the rising of high mountain oolong, and therefore making the 21st century Baozhong very “green tea like.” This Baozhong follows the tradition of proper processing by using one of the most popular varietals in Taiwan, and Qing Xin Oolong varietal has proven its value for creating complex and appealing taste.

This Baozhong delivers a dry guava-like character in the nostrils with a lively body. It also has a hint of bug bitten aroma when reaching your throat, which is a true surprise to any Baozhong lover. This is so far the most lively Qing Xin Baozhong we ever created, drinking it is like watching dragonflies dancing in the field during a relatively warm spring, making this another great tea during this year’s freezing winter.

Harvest Season: Winter 2018 / 冬 貳零壹捌
Varietal: Qing Xin Oolong / 青心烏龍
Elevation: 400 M / 肆佰 公尺
Region: Pinglin / 坪林
Fermentation Level: 25% / 分之 貳拾伍
Roast Level: 2 / 貳 分