Harvest Date: Spring 2024
Growing Region: Xeitou, Nantou
Elevation: 1800 m
Cultivar: Qing Xin
From the remote, mist-draped heights of Long Feng Xia (龍鳳峽)—Dragon Phoenix Gorge—comes this remarkable Spring 2024 Red Tea, a rare expression of Taiwan’s high mountain terroir through the lens of full oxidation.
Crafted by the same meticulous hands behind our other Leng Feng Xia Oolongs, this tea reveals a bolder, deeper side of Long Feng Xia’s early spring harvest.
Located in the Shanlinxi (杉林溪) region of Nantou County, Long Feng Xia sits at 1800 meters above sea level—an altitude where crisp mountain air, swirling mist, and sharp day-night temperature swings slow leaf development and concentrate flavor. While this region is traditionally known for its oolong, this red tea pushes boundaries, channeling that same high-elevation finesse into a completely different style.
Made from the Qing Xin (青心) cultivar—typically reserved for high mountain oolong—this batch was fully oxidized and gently baked, drawing out layers of honeyed fruit, florals, and warming spice. The leaves are thick and well-twisted, a testament to the cool, extended growing conditions of spring 2024, and the craftsmanship of a farmer who understands both leaf and landscape intuitively.
Expect a rich, amber liquor with notes of dried longan, red date, and brown sugar, balanced by a soft floral top note and a clean, mineral finish. There’s a plush texture to this tea, almost nectar-like, that lingers long after each sip—proof that red tea, when done right, can be just as nuanced and expressive as its oolong counterparts.
Whether steeped gongfu-style or brewed casually in a pot, this tea unfolds with grace and complexity. It’s a bold but refined interpretation of Long Feng Xia’s mountain essence, offering comfort, clarity, and a touch of unexpected elegance.
Whether you’re a seasoned high-mountain oolong drinker curious about red tea or someone discovering Taiwanese terroir for the first time, this 2024 Spring Long Feng Xia Red Tea is a masterclass in transformation—a familiar landscape viewed through a richer, duskier lens.