Shandong Laoshan Black

Shandong Laoshan Black is a classic black tea from Shandong Province in China. Small wiry black leaves produce a dark golden liquor with a floral aroma. The bright and brisk flavours are smooth and tangy with sweet floral notes of caramel, rose and hazelnuts.

Brewing guide: 2.5g in 250ml water at 90°C for 3-4 minutes

£3.50£12.00

(10-50g)

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Origin:Laoshan, Shandong Province, China
Elevation:300m
Cultivar:Long Jing #43 (龍井43)
Harvest time:Spring 2023
Sourcing:Specialist Chinese Wholesaler

Description

Shandong Laoshan Black (山东崂山红茶) is a classic black tea from Laoshan Village in Shandong Province, one of the most northerly tea growing areas of China. It is grown at low altitude of just 300m next to the Yellow Sea. This tea is grown by a small family operation that do both tea growing, harvesting and traditional processing. This tea is from the spring 2023 harvest. We also offer a Shandong Laoshan Green version of this tea.

Shandong Province is located in the very far north of the tea producing belt of China. While the province is a large agricultural producer, there is not much tea planted here due to rather harsh and cold winters. Tea plants were first planted around Laoshan Village only about 60-70 years ago to see if the plants were able to cope with the adverse weather conditions. In order to ensure the survival of the tea plants, the farmers have to cover them for the winter months. Many of the tea plants here are enclosed in greenhouses throughout winter and early spring, particularly in order to protect them from any significantly frosty and cold spells of weather. When springs comes around, the covers are removed from the tea plants and they are able to grow in the natural environment exposed to the sun and elements.

Shandong Laoshan Black from Shandong Province is grown at Laoshan Village, next to Laoshan (崂山). Also known as Mount Lao, this mountain is located close to the coastline and is a popular tourist destination. The popularity of Mount Lao arises from the long affiliation of the mountain with Taoism, being considered as one of the “cradles of Taoism”. While there are strong links between Taoism and tea and perhaps you would expect to find some tea being grown in the Laoshan temples, tea was planted here only rather recently. Still it seems that the holy Taoist Laoshan is a rather appropriate place to grow such great tea!

This Shandong Laoshan Black tea has small wiry twisted and rolled leaves. It produces a light liquor with a fantastic floral aroma that is reminiscent of roses. This tea has a brisk flavour that is very smooth and tangy with a floral character. There are lovely notes of rose, caramel and hazelnuts. This tea produces a flavoursome yet light cup with no bitterness or astringency. The flavours always make us think of rose Turkish delight!

We suggest brewing at 90°C for 3-4 minutes according to your taste. It can be brewed around 3 times depending on your taste preferences.

Shandong Laoshan Black tea was first featured in our February 2018 Curious Tea Subscription Boxes.