Wu Mountain Tea Organic Dancong Oolong House Blend

Origin and Growing Conditions

The WMT Organic Dancong Oolong House Blend originates from the lush Fenghuang Mountains in Chaozhou City, Guangdong Province, China. The organic tea garden that cultivates this tea, owned and operated by Master Huang, is nestled at the southern foot of the Fenghuang Mountains, with an average altitude of 600 meters. The area’s unique natural climate and ecological environment contribute to the exceptional quality of Dancong Oolong tea.

Master Huang's tea garden has garnered significant recognition, holding certifications for planting standards from China, the European Union, the United States, and Japan. This distinction makes it the sole tea garden in Guangdong Province with four organic certifications, ensuring high-quality and environmentally conscious tea production.

Processing

Our Organic Dancong Oolong House Blend is crafted with expertise passed down through generations. Master Huang, a native of Chaozhou with a profound tea-making heritage, plays a pivotal role in the meticulous processing of this semi-fermented oolong tea. Dylan, mentored by Master Huang, has also played a role in maintaining the tea's authenticity and quality. From 2017 through today, Dylan has spent a total of three months living on Master Huang’s organic tea farm, studying the art of Oolong Tea cultivation and processing. Our 2020 long-form video exploring Oolong Tea Processing was largely filmed on Master Huang’s organic tea farm, producing the same type of tea listed here.

Generally speaking, Dancong Oolong tea undergoes a carefully orchestrated process that includes plucking the leaves, withering, bruising, fixing, rolling, and finally, roasting. This meticulous approach imparts a fragrant aroma and unique taste profile to the House Blend. The artisanal processing results in a tea with a strong returning sweetness and a delightful overall mouthfeel.

For a deep dive on Dancong Oolong Tea Processing, you can see the video linked here and above.

Tasting Notes

Dry Leaf Appearance: The House Blend Organic Dancong Oolong exhibits tightly rolled, dark green leaves that unfurl during brewing. As a Dancong blend, there is more than one cultivar present, so you can expect to see a degree of variability in leaf shape and color.

Aroma: The tea boasts a fragrant aroma that lingers, filling the senses with notes of orchid, honey, apricot, and a subtle hint of toasted almonds.

Taste: Dancong oolong tea captivates with its multidimensional taste, featuring a subtle minerality that provides a refreshing crispness and complements the tea's inherent sweetness. The creamy texture adds a velvety dimension, contributing to a smooth and satisfying mouthfeel. Sweetness balanced with mild bitterness and astringency adds complexity and nuance to every sip.

Soup/Liquor Appearance: The brewed liquor showcases a golden-yellow hue, a visual testament to the tea's purity and quality.

For a detailed tutorial on tea quality assessment, see Chapter 4 of the Masterclass on Tea

Preparation

To fully appreciate the complexity of our Dancong Oolong House Blend, consider the following brewing method:

Hot Brewing Method: Use water at approximately 90°C. Steep 3-5g of tea leaves in 150ml of water for 20-30 seconds for the first infusion. Gradually increase steeping time for subsequent infusions.

Chaozhou, the home of Dancong Oolong, is also the home of Gongfu Tea. So, we recommend brewing this tea in its hometown fashion. For a refresher on Gongfu Tea prep, you can see our Gongfu Tea tutorial here.

Suggested Food Pairings

The Organic Dancong Oolong House Blend's multifaceted flavor profile makes it a versatile tea for pairing with various foods. Here are some suggestions:

- Light Desserts: The tea's floral and fruity notes complement light desserts like fruit tarts or almond pastries.

- Creamy Cheese: Pair the oolong with creamy cheeses like Brie or Camembert to balance the richness and accentuate the Oolong's subtle milky notes.

- Dimsum: The tea's complexity pairs well with Dimsum dishes, especially those with subtle flavors like steamed shrimp dumplings.

In conclusion, the WMT Organic Dancong Oolong House Blend stands as a testament to the craftsmanship and dedication of Master Huang, and his friendship and mentorship of WMT founder, Dylan, over the years. From its origins in the Fenghuang Mountains to the carefully curated tasting experience, this oolong tea offers a delightful journey into the world of Dancong Oolong tea.