Bao Zhong Oolong

Bao Zhong Oolong is a light oolong made from a Four Seasons cultivar to emulate the famous Wen Shan Bao Zhong. Lightly rolled green leaves produce a clean floral liquor. The light flavour has green, floral and baked creamy notes with a smooth, lasting aftertaste.

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

£1.90£6.50

(10-50g)

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Origin:Mingjian Township, Nantou County, Taiwan
Elevation:300-400m
Cultivar:Si Ji Chun 'Four Seasons' (四季春)
Harvest time:October 2023
Sourcing:From the farmer via Taiwanese Tea Master

Description

Bao Zhong Oolong (包種烏龍茶) is a lightly oxidised green oolong. Produced in Mingjian Township of Nantou County it is made from the popular Four Seasons Si Ji Chun (四季春) cultivar. The leaves are ever so lightly rolled and undergo around 10% oxidation. This oolong has a great balance of light vegetal and floral flavours, producing a smooth and satisfying liquor. This batch is from October 2023 harvest.

This tea is akin to our popular award-winning Wen Shan Bao Zhong. The main differences lie in the fact that this Bao Zhong Oolong is produced from Four Seasons cultivar and is grown in Nantou. By comparison our Wen Shan tea comes from the famous Wen Shan tea growing area and is made from a Qing Xin ‘Green Heart’ (青心) cultivar. The tea from Wen Shan is the definitive version of how a Bao Zhong tea should be like, combining the best terroir, cultivar and hand processing. This version from Nantou emulates the style and flavours of this famous teas well, providing an interesting comparison as well as a great value introduction to this type of light oolong.

The name of this Bao Zhong Oolong translates from Chinese as ‘wrapped kind’ and derives from the old practise of wrapping tea leaves into paper during processing. Although this is no longer the case, the name has been preserved. Instead the Bao Zhong name is used to describe a particular style of Taiwanese oolong that is very lightly oxidised and consists of non-rolled leaves. The English name that is also commonly used for this oolong is pouchong.

The dry leaves of this Bao Zhong Oolong have a floral aroma, are of mixed green colour, and are very lightly rolled. These were picked mechanically, something that can be seen from the uneven nature of the leaves. However this unevenness does not tarnish the quality of flavour. The bright, light yellow liquor that is produced has a pleasant floral aroma. The Four Seasons cultivar is evident in the tasting notes, with vegetal and floral notes dominating the flavours. There are some light baked creamy notes that make us think of a baked floral custard. The character is refreshing, with clean floral and herbaceous notes and a lasting green and lightly tangy aftertaste. This is a very smooth and light tea that is soft and delicate. A perfect everyday Bao Zhong Oolong with broad appeal!

It is best brewed at 90°C for 3-4 minutes, brewing multiple times according to your taste

Bao Zhong Oolong tea was first featured in our August 2019 Curious Tea Subscription Boxes.