95
ali shan
based on 841 reviews
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sample
makes 5 cups
$9
3oz
77¢ per cup
$34
16oz
47¢ per cup
$119
teabags
15 full leaf pyramids
$29
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Grown in central Taiwan in a region of 18 mountains, this oolong enjoys both high elevation and a cooler climate that slows its growth. That means the leaves contain a higher concentration of sap and essential oils and these supple green leaves respond well to rolling into ball shapes that may be delicately roasted. Brew in a gaiwan (covered cup) at lower temperatures to fully reveal its delicate soft honey-like flavor with an edge of spring grassiness. A relatively new tea to the scene, only a few decades old, it is harvested twice yearly.
Oolong Tea | Moderate caffeine | Steep at 195° for 2-3 mins
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Customer Reviews (841)
AI Bot Summary
based on most popular reviews
“ Ali Shan tea consistently delights connoisseurs with its rich complexity, eliciting praise for its floral, creamy, and honey notes that dance on the palette. These reviews highlight the tea's buttery mouthfeel, subtle sweetness, and lack of bitterness, making it a luxurious experience reminiscent of savoring a rare delicacy. Its light yet hauntingly beautiful profile accommodates multiple steeps, evolving in flavor to provide a unique journey with each cup. While the price may give pause, enthusiasts deem it a worthy indulgence, comparing its outstanding quality to the likes of a fine Ferrari in the world of teas. Enjoyed both hot and cold, Ali Shan's delicate balance of flavors, including hints of green tea, Meyer lemon, and buttery veggies, ensures a mesmerizing sip that captivates both seasoned tea drinkers and novices alike. ”
Feb 3rd '10
“ This tea is pricy, but so is a Ferrari. As a matter of fact I feel like someone with a Ferrari is sipping Ali Shan. Color is somewhat light which initially worried me, however, looks were deceiving. The best part is the honey flavor that lingers on the pallet. Take these five stars as but a modest gift to your greatness. Praise be to Ali Shan. ”
4
69
May 21st '13
“ Oh my sweet merciful God of Tea, praise be to you for sending me this deliciousness! The second and third brewings are excellent, the first a bit ghost-like. The flavors here so so complex, yet light, it's hard to pick out specific ones. Definitely floral and creamy, perhaps with a hint of Meyer lemon somewhere in there. You'll keep being surprised by the aromas and tastes that come up, even if you can't pinpoint them (well, I couldn't). Great is not quite accurate. Stupendous is a better descriptor. ”
3 mins @ 180°F
2
47
May 16th '20
“ 👍👍 This one had a slight tingle on the tongue and buttery feel in the mouth. Rinsed tea for about 15 secs at 195F prior to the first steep ... I always do this with oolongs and pu-erhs to open up the leaves and get rid of any off-flavors & dust. The leaves open up nicely for a beautiful display in the pot. Hangs around nicely in your mouth for quite sometime. No green flavors were noted, which to me makes this an excellent oolong! Probably get four steeps out of this one ... which is a plus! (2 mins @ 190F, 1/4 tsp sugar) ”
0
44
May 16th '21
“ I thought Jasmine Silver Needle was my ultimate 'happy place' tea before I met Ali Shan. Oh. My. God. I dont even have the words to describe the delicate deliciousness of this tea. It had a honey floral aroma and flavor that is totally enchanting. It had a nice buttery mouth feel (yay for finally learning proper terminology!) and it feels like satin in my mouth.
There's not much more for me to say (which is totally rare!) This tea speaks for itself. Definitely a tea all tea lovers should try. ❤ ”
There's not much more for me to say (which is totally rare!) This tea speaks for itself. Definitely a tea all tea lovers should try. ❤ ”
0
33
May 16th '21
“ I'm on my 3rd steep;
This tea tastes gentle, yet strong;
I can't brew it wrong!
Pleasing to the eyes
To watch the green leaves unfurl
A mindful soft tea
(Haiku Review) ”
This tea tastes gentle, yet strong;
I can't brew it wrong!
Pleasing to the eyes
To watch the green leaves unfurl
A mindful soft tea
(Haiku Review) ”
1
31
Teabags
teabags
15 full leaf pyramids
$29
Lore
Formosa, meaning 'beautiful island', is what Dutch traders called Taiwan. The teas grown here, mainly north of Taipei, continue to be called as such. Tea can be harvested up to six times a year here, although the high mountain teas may be only twice a year. Oolong tea had been a very important export for the island until the 1980s, until tea growers turned their focus to the legions of oolong fans living on the island. Today, oolong tea is mainly produced for tea lovers in Taiwan, and the rarest, most prized lots are extremely difficult to find in the U.S. Tea culture is so alive and well in Taiwan, annual competitions are held amongst tea growing districts to reward the most outstanding oolongs each year. Gold medal-winning oolongs are some of the most expensive in the world.