Gold Peony

This Gold Peony is a true-cliff rock oolong, harvested from leaves grown on Bishi 碧石岩, or "Jade Stone," cliff. Its name refers to an uncommon varietal, made from crossbreeding two famous Fujian oolong trees: Tieguanyin and Golden Cassia.

Gold Peony was first introduced in the Anxi region, but didn't gain much recognition until it found its way to the Wuyi Mountain area. It is an especially fragrant varietal, favoured by oolong drinkers who prefer a simpler, sweeter fragrance and lighter body.

As a delicate varietal, Gold Peony is traditionally more lightly roasted than most cliff oolongs. This one received 4 rounds of gentle charcoal roasting over a span of 6 months. It was completed in October of 2023, and aged for 1 year.

We find this Gold Peony to be particularly balanced, with the depth of character we would expect from a charcoal roasted cliff oolong of this quality, animated by a sprightliness imparted by the varietal. It is so delicate on the tongue, it seems to flicker. Its taste leads with fruity notes, like peach and raw cacao, then mineral notes and nectarine pit come through in its long finish. This is an excellent choice for a high quality, 'everyday drinking,' cliff oolong.