A rare crossover worth savoring: classic Taiwan character grown in Yunnan’s cool highlands. This lot comes from northwestern Tengchong (Baoshan Prefecture), where second-flush Jin Xuan (TTES #12) leaves are crafted in the Eastern Beauty / 东方美人 (Dong Fang Mei Ren) style. The result sits deliciously between oolong and black tea—lush fruit over warm malt, silky and deeply aromatic. Taiwan cultivar, Yunnan terroir: Jin Xuan’s creamy, fruit-forward personality meets Tengchong’s 1,300 m altitude and wide day–night swings for extra aroma concentration. Second flush for OB style: Later spring leaf suits this processing, bringing natural sweetness and a richer, amber liquor. Balanced like a light black + oolong: Think honeyed stone fruit and baked sugar on top of gentle malt and spice, finishing clean with a lingering hui-gan. Tasting notes Aroma: Honey, ripe peach/apricot, baked sugar, light florals. Cup: Amber-gold liquor; medium-plus body with a creamy, rounded texture. Flavor: Peach, nectarine, lychee hints; malt and biscuit underneath; soft sweet spice (cinnamon/allspice) toward later steeps. Finish: Long, cooling and sweet, with a returning throat sweetness. Origin & processing Area: Northwestern Tengchong, Baoshan Prefecture, Yunnan Altitude: ~1,300 m Harvest: Second flush (May) Cultivar: Jin Xuan (TTES #12) Style: Crafted in the Eastern Beauty tradition with medium-high oxidation ; gently baked to set the fragrance (no heavy roast). Note: In the Eastern Beauty tradition, later-spring leaves often develop naturally honeyed aromatics; this lot leans into that profile with a fruit-forward, mellow sweetness. Brewing guide (Adjust to taste and water.) Gongfu (recommended) 5-6 g per 100 mL 95 °C (203 °F) Quick rinse, then 20s • 25s • 30s • 40s… for 6–8 infusions Expect early steeps to emphasize honey/fruit; later steeps bring more malt and spice. Western 3 g per 300 mL (10 oz) 95 °C (203 °F) for 2–3 minutes Good for 2–3 infusions; extend time slightly on subsequent steeps. Grandpa style 2g per 300–350 mL (10–12 oz), 90–95 °C, top up as you sip. Smooth, all-day honeyed malt. Cold brew 8–10 g per 1 L, room-temp water; refrigerate 8-10 hours. Bright, peachy, and ultra-smooth. Summary: Caffeine: Medium Storage: Airtight, cool, dry, and dark. Enjoy within 18–24 months for peak aromatics. Area: Northwestern Tengchong, Baoshan Prefecture (Yunnan) Altitude: 1,300 m Harvest time: Second flush (May) Varietal: Jin Xuan (TTES #12) Style: Eastern Beauty / 东方美人 (Dong Fang Mei Ren); medium-high oxidation, light bake In short: An incredibly enjoyable, Yunnan-grown Taiwan-varietal Eastern Beauty fruit-forward, honeyed, and malt-kissed—at a very approachable price.
