The Phoenix Mountains (Fenghuang Shan) in Guangdong, China are home to famous varietals of oolong teas. In our last visit to this area, we studied at least seven different varietals. Notable and popular among these varietals is “Mi Lan” or “Honey Orchid.” Our name for it is Royal Phoenix. The Phoenix teas are known as ‘Dancong’, which refers to the unique single trunk structure of the plant. Many other varietals grow in multi-trunk structures. Another unique aspect of the Phoenix varietals is that the newly sprouted tip evolves into a large, full leaf very quickly. The twisted leaf oolong processing style, which requires long leaves, is therefore often used on Phoenix teas. Making Royal Phoenix oolong involves precise rolling and baking techniques to fully develop its characteristic texture and fragrance. The roaster is a tunnel roaster (similar to a coffee roaster) that rotates, while the leaves are tumbled with convection heat. An area within Fenghuang Shan is Wudong mountain, home to old growth tea plants. Sourcing tea from Wudong is a challenge due to its popularity and limited availability, but we are hoping to start bringing you selective teas of that region also. Our grower of Royal Phoenix is a second generation tea farmer. After inheriting the business from his father, he has been steadily making progress towards better agricultural standards and improving the processing factory.
From the manufacturer PURE LEAF ARTISTRY At The Tao of Tea, we offer a wide variety of specialty teas as well as herbs and blends. Similar to grapes, tea plants (camellia sinensis) have many different cultivars, regions, processing methods, and seasons. Good tea tends to sell out very quickly and is seldom made in large quantities. Therefore, each season we work to secure exceptional-tasting leaf. We pledge to bring you teas that have great flavor, artistry and soul, and to help educate about tea origins, culture, processing and more. JOURNEY RELATIONSHIPS All of our products are a result of establishing relationships with tea people. Most of our teas originate in Asia and travel to other parts of the world as a result of our efforts. Along the way, there is a cultural exchange that takes place. The art of tea, at its highest level, involves deep appreciation for these connections. We pledge to savor our relationships as much as we do the tea itself.
