Harvest Date: Spring 2024
Harvest Location: Pinglin, Taiwan
Cultiver: Qin Xin
Elevation: 650m
 
Delicate, floral, and effortlessly elegant, Wenshan Baozhong (文山包種) is a standout among Taiwanese oolongs—known for its gentle oxidation, vibrant aroma, and soft, refreshing character. This particular Baozhong comes from the lush, mist-covered hills of Pinglin District in New Taipei City, Taiwan, one of the island’s oldest and most respected tea-growing regions.
 
Nestled at elevations between 600 and 700 meters, the gardens of Pinglin benefit from cool mountain air, frequent mist, and mineral-rich soil, creating the perfect microclimate for aromatic, tender tea leaves.
 
This tea is crafted from the Qing Xin (青心) cultivar, known for its naturally high fragrance and smooth mouthfeel—two traits that define a great Baozhong.
 
Traditionally referred to as “Pouchong” or “wrapped kind” for the old practice of wrapping leaves in paper during drying, modern Wenshan Baozhong preserves this legacy through its characteristic long, twisted, deep-green leaves and minimal oxidation (about 10–20%). The processing is careful and restrained, lightly roasted to protect the tea’s floral purity.
 
When brewed, this tea produces a pale golden-green liquor with an incredibly fresh, garden-like aroma—think orchid, lilac, and magnolia, with a touch of melon and young pear. On the palate, it’s smooth and ethereal, offering light floral notes layered over a crisp, vegetal sweetness and finishing with a cooling, almost minty sensation. It’s clean, uplifting, and deeply soothing—perfect for slow mornings or calming afternoons.
 
Harvested in early spring, when the flavor and fragrance are at their peak, this Wenshan Baozhong is a beautiful expression of Taiwanese tea craftsmanship. Whether you're a seasoned oolong drinker or new to the category, this tea invites you into a softer, subtler side of the oolong world—a quiet moment in a cup, straight from the misty hills of Pinglin.