Ching Jung Lishan Hiagang Mountain 2024- 30 grams

This is one of the finest high mountain oolongs I've had the pleasure of drinking, and it's one of the teas I most enjoy sharing with people who are just beginning to explore high-quality Taiwanese oolongs.

This tea is produced by the Ching Jung roasting family, whose dedication to quality and traditional craftsmanship is evident in every batch they make. Grown high on Lishan Mountain and finished with a light roast, it has a wonderfully clean, floral aroma with a smooth, silky body. The flavor is delicate without being faint, offering layers of fresh florals, sweetness, and the bright, crisp character that makes Lishan teas so special.

What I appreciate most about this tea is its qi. It has an uplifting, expansive quality that brings a calm sense of focus and clarity without feeling overstimulating. It's the kind of tea I reach for when I want to be present, whether I'm working, reading, or sharing tea with friends.

I genuinely enjoy working with the Ching Jung family. They are kind, humble people who care deeply about producing clean, high-quality tea. They put tremendous care into every step of the process, from the garden to the roast, and that dedication comes through in every cup.

This tea truly shines when prepared in a gaiwan. I like to fill the gaiwan generously with leaves by feel, though 2–3 grams in a small to medium-sized gaiwan is a great place to start. Use water just off the boil, around 205°F (96°C), and steep the first infusion for about 45 seconds. Increase each subsequent infusion by 20–30 seconds, and you'll be rewarded with five or more flavorful steepings, each revealing a little more of the tea's character.

If you prefer brewing in a mug, use about 2 grams of tea in a strainer for an 8-ounce cup. Steep for about one minute, or longer if you enjoy a stronger brew, then simply re-steep the leaves several more times. While the experience won't be quite the same as Gong Fu brewing, you'll still enjoy a rich, satisfying cup with plenty of life left in the leaves.

If you're new to Gong Fu Cha, I've put together a free guide that walks you through the process of brewing tea in small pots over multiple infusions. You can download it here:
https://ojasnaturals.myshopify.com/products/gong-fu-tea-guide