Cuifeng High Mountain

翠峰高山乌龙

Harvest
May 2024

Origin
Hehuanshan, Taiwan

Cui Feng translates into “Emerald Peak”, it is the name of one of the highest mountain peaks located in Nantou, Taiwan. Cui Feng is located close to the famous Li Shan 梨山 (Pear Mountain), most of the time, teas from Cui Feng would be categorized under Li Shan. 

I visited Mr. Li’s tea farm in Cui Feng in January 2024. We drove from Sun Moon Lake in Nantou, to Cui Feng, a 3 hour drive. I remember vividly ascending in narrow switchback roads up the mountain for what seems like forever, it seemed like we were driving up in into the clouds. The undulating mountains in the background were breathtaking. 

When we arrived at Mr. Li’s small tea farm at the peak of Cui Feng, I was struck by how steep the hills were, and the amazing view at more than 8500 ft elevation. 

Cui Feng High Mountain oolong has a very distinct vibrancy and brightness. This is usually referred to as the “cold fragrance”, a unique and special fragrance only found in very high elevation Taiwanese oolongs.

Verbena, leather scent in the gaiwan. This tea is unexpectedly deep – while its flavour profile is quite light and elegant, its complexity and long finish really take us places. It grows sweeter through infusions, ending in a tropical place. 

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Brewing guide