Background

Let’s start by addressing the name. In English, “Milk Oolong” often sparks the
imagination – people picture tea leaves soaked in milk or perhaps baked with dairy to
create a creamy texture. In truth, this nickname can be misleading.
There are no added ingredients here. The smooth, milky mouthfeel and gentle floral
aroma come from the Jin Xuan cultivar itself – 金萱 (Jin Xuan), a tea variety developed
in Taiwan. Its signature character is the result of careful cultivar selection and
generations of expert farming.

‘Rich and creamy texture with an irresistible aroma.’

This Jin Xuan Oolong is rich in texture, with a soft, buttery feel, and an aromatic profile that balances floral brightness with a creamy depth. If you enjoy it, there are other limited batches available – you might discover some hidden gems with a bit of exploring online.

Personal Connection – George’s Notes

This particular Jin Xuan Oolong was grown in the renowned Alishan tea-growing region of Taiwan, high in the mountains where cool air and mist help develop the tea’s aromatic richness.

I first encountered it during a trip to Taiwan in early February 2020, where I stayed at a small homestay in Alishan. Very conveniently, the host was also a tea farmer. The accommodation was a converted tea factory, with recently renovated guest rooms upstairs, and a shop, dining area, and tea-tasting space on the ground floor.

We spent hours tasting tea together, comparing notes and brewing styles. I made sure to bring back samples of each tea to share with friends and family back home.

Now, almost five years later, I’ve continued to order teas from this farmer through group buys nearly every year. It’s been a joy to watch others fall in love with these teas as I have.

Brewing Recommendations

We recommend keeping this tea warm during the brewing by not leaving too long in-between infusions. The farmer recommends that the first and second infusions should be combined and this means the first cup is very balanced while having a rich texture and fragrant aroma. Enjoying with 1-2 friends would be ideal and after brewing you can open up the brewed leaf to see how thick the leaf was at harvest.