Huangzhixiang

Huangzhixiang directly translates to "Yellow Gardenia Fragrance," which describes 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 tea comes from the famous Da'an Village of Wudong Mountain. The village takes its name from the ancient Taiping Temple there, which dates back to the Qing Dynasty. At 3100 ft above sea level, the area is suspended in mist and clouds that continuously obscure Wudong Mountain.

The region is marked by many giant rocks, and between them, densely gathered vegetation. The village is nestled between mountain peaks in all directions. We find many ancient tea trees, Mother Trees, and Old Groves thriving in the special geography around Da'an Village. According to locals, 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 varietals of tea trees in Da'an, all stemming from the tea garden that was once tended to by the 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, and appears dense, like an elixir. The aroma of yellow gardenia flowers lingers on the palate long after it is swallowed.