O-TW-041

Yu Shan Oolong

玉山烏龍

High mountain rolled oolong, from Nantou, Taiwan.

Oolong tea

Yu Shan Oolong is strongest on smoothness, sweetness and aroma intensity. Typical tasting words: orchid, fresh grass, mineral, peach, cream. Grown along the slopes of Taiwan's highest mountain range, where cultivation expanded rapidly during the Gaoshan tea boom of the 1980s and 1990s. Favoured for its pronounced clean mouthfeel and lingering alpine character ('shan tou qi') during traditional tea ceremonies.

Also known as Yushan Gaoshan and Jade Mountain Oolong.

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The profile

Taste, 0 to 5

sweetness4bitterness1astringency1umami2brightness3body3smoothness5aroma intensity4finish length4

Flavour families, 0 to 5

floral4fruity2vegetal2marine0nutty1toasty0malty0honey1spicy0woody1earthy1smoky0creamy2citrus1stone fruit2tropical0cocoa0caramel0

Facts

Origin: Nantou, Taiwan
Plant: Camellia sinensis var. sinensis, Qing Xin
Harvest: spring or winter
Elevation: high
Oxidation: 15 to 25%
Roast: very light
Leaf: rolled pellet
Price band: premium
Availability: fairly common
Ageing: a little
Forgiving to brew: 4 of 5
L-theanine: moderate

Made by: solar withering, then indoor withering, then light tossing, then panning, then cloth ball rolling, then drying.

Caffeine

A cup of Yu Shan Oolong carries a typical estimate of 35 mg of caffeine, within a range of 25 to 45 mg depending on leaf amount, water temperature and steeping time. Figures are estimates for a 240 ml cup. Better earlier in the day if you are sensitive to caffeine. The caffeine planner turns this into a daily total.

How to brew it

Method	Leaf	Water	Steeps
Western, 250 ml	3 g	90 to 95 °C	2 min, 3 min, 4 min
Gongfu, 100 ml	6 g	92 to 96 °C	Rinse, then 30 s, 25 s, 30 s, 45 s, 60 s, 90 s
Cold brew, 250 ml	2.5 g	Fridge	8 to 12 hours

Up to 7 infusions. Scale for your own pot with the brew calculator.

Drinking it

morning
afternoon
morning
midday
meditation
relaxing

Pairs with sushi, salads and pastry. Milk: no. Iced: yes. Sweetener: no. Good for beginners: yes.