Huangzhixiang ”Gardenia Fragrance"

乌岽黄栀香

Harvest
April 2019

Origin
Chaozhou, Guangdong

“Huangzhixiang” directly translates to “Yellow Gardenia Fragrance,” an indication of the unmistakable aroma this varietal of oolong emits. This gardenia scented tea tree was  given the name “Huangzhixiang” in 1956, by the tea cooperative in Wudong Village. The tea farmers that made up this cooperative recognized that the fragrance of yellow gardenia flowers may be used as a benchmark for the fragrance of all teas.

This Huangzhixiang comes from the famous Da’an Village of Wudong Mountain. It is a sacred place to many, and for many reasons. The village takes its name from the ancient Taiping Temple, which is situated within the village and dates back to the Qing Dynasty. Da’an Village is 3100 ft above sea level, suspended in the mist and clouds that continuously obscure Wudong Mountain.

The area is marked by many giant rocks, and between them, densely gathered vegetation. It is nestled between mountain peaks in all directions. We find many ancient tea trees, mother trees, and old groves in this special geographical nexus, Da’an Village. According to a local lore, the monks who meditated in Taiping Temple liked to drink tea, and they grew and harvested their own tea trees. Villagers suspect that this is the reason why there are so many old groves of tea trees in Da’an – they are the legacy of these monks.

Huangzhixiang is a delicate oolong and we taste it in long, arching strokes. Its sweetness lingers on the palate, intermixing with the smell of honey and strange fruit. The tea liquor has a striking bright yellowish-orange tone: the fluid appears dense, like an elixir. 

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Brewing guide