For those venturing into the world of loose-leaf tea, the sheer variety of flavours and styles from the Camellia sinensis plant can be both exciting and overwhelming. Among these, oolong teas often stand out, offering a unique and adventurous tasting experience that can range from fruity to creamy, floral to roasted. If you're new to oolong tea, take a moment to explore this fascinating category before diving into the distinct characteristics of two of Taiwan’s most revered high-mountain oolongs: Ali Shan and Li Shan.
What is Oolong Tea?
Oolong tea is a semi-oxidised tea that sits between green and black teas in the oxidation spectrum. Green teas are quickly heated after being picked to lock in their fresh, bright flavours, while black teas are fully oxidised, resulting in deep, robust flavours and a reddish hue. Oolongs, on the other hand, are partially oxidised, allowing them to develop a wide range of flavours and aromas, making them one of the most diverse categories of tea.
Origin of Oolong Tea
When exploring oolong teas, Taiwan is a name that often comes up, and for good reason. Taiwan is renowned for its high-mountain oolongs, known locally as gao shan teas, which are grown at elevations around or above 1,500 metres. These mountainous regions provide the perfect cool and misty environment for tea plants to thrive, resulting in teas with exceptional flavour profiles. Two of the most famous high-mountain oolongs from Taiwan are Ali Shan and Li Shan, each offering a distinct taste experience.
Ali Shan vs. Li Shan: What's the Difference?
Both Ali Shan and Li Shan are examples of gao shan oolongs, but they differ in origin, cultivar, and flavour. Ali Shan, or "Ancestor Mountain," is located in the central/southeast region of Taiwan, while Li Shan, or "Pear Mountain," is situated further north at a higher elevation. These geographical differences, along with variations in the tea cultivars used, create unique flavour profiles for each tea.
- Ali Shan is sourced from Chenjia Garden in Meishan Township, just west of Ali Mountain National Park. This tea is crafted using the 'Jin Xuan' (Golden Lily) cultivar, known for its naturally creamy, milky flavour.
- Li Shan is grown in 72K Garden in Taichung. This tea is made from the 'Qing Xin' (Green Heart) cultivar, which is prized for its deep, aromatic qualities.
Both teas are hand-rolled into tight balls during processing, a technique that allows the large leaves to slowly unfurl when steeped, releasing their complex flavours.
Taste Test Between Ali Shan & Li Shan
To truly appreciate the differences between these two teas, I brewed both using our glass Tea-iere with 4g of leaf to 250ml of boiling water (100°C). The teas were steeped for 3 minutes to bring out their full body and flavour.
Aroma
Taste
- Ali Shan: The infusion carries the Jin Xuan cultivars signature milky sweetness, complemented by floral notes and a refreshing citrus tang. It’s delicate yet satisfying.
- Li Shan: Li Shan delivers a richer, creamier mouthfeel, with prominent tropical fruit flavours, especially pineapple, and a deeper, grassy undertone. This makes it a more complex and engaging tea compared to Ali Shan’s lighter profile.
Texture
- Ali Shan: Smooth and rich, Ali Shan has a satisfying texture, but it’s lighter in body compared to Li Shan.
- Li Shan: The creaminess of Li Shan extends to its texture, giving it a thicker, more luxurious mouthfeel.
Finish
- Ali Shan: The finish is pleasant and long-lasting, though slightly less intense than Li Shan. It leaves a gentle, fruity sweetness on the palate.
- Li Shan: Li Shan’s finish is more pronounced, coating the mouth with a lingering richness and a hint of tropical fruitiness.
Feeling
- Ali Shan: Uplifting and refreshing, Ali Shan is perfect for those who enjoy bright, floral, and citrus flavours.
- Li Shan: Richer and more indulgent, Li Shan is ideal for those seeking a deeper, fruitier, and creamier oolong experience.
Deciding Between Ali Shan and Li Shan
For those new to Oolong teas, Ali Shan is an excellent introduction to the world of high-mountain Taiwanese oolongs. Its delicate flavours are approachable and beautifully showcase what these teas have to offer. For those looking for a more intense and indulgent experience, Li Shan is the perfect choice, with its complex, fruity richness and creamy texture.
Embark on your oolong journey with these exquisite teas from JING Tea and discover the subtle yet profound differences that make each one a unique experience.