Loose Leaf Oolong Tea

A cup of loose-leaf oolong tea is so much more than just a warm beverage. It’s a promise of the incredible flavor that is about to be unlocked.

We believe that the true, authentic character of a tea is only released when its leaves are given the freedom to dance, stretch, and unfurl in hot water. This special collection is dedicated to the magic and complexity of flavor that you only find in premium loose oolong tea. We source our teas directly from the misty, high-altitude mountains of Taiwan. We make sure every leaf is of the highest quality.

The Art of the Leaf: What Makes Loose Oolong Tea Superior?

Before we take a journey through our wonderful collection, let's take a moment to understand why choosing loose-leaf makes such a big difference. Think about a typical tea bag. It is often filled with small, broken pieces of leaves called "fannings" or "dust." These small particles have lost many of their essential oils and can result in a one-dimensional flavor.

Loose-leaf oolong tea consists of whole or large, beautifully preserved semi-oxidized tea leaves. These leaves have been carefully hand-picked and then skillfully shaped by tea masters. They are often shaped into tight semi-balls or elegant, twisted strands. This careful handling protects the integrity of the leaf and all the precious oils locked within it.

When you add hot water to these leaves, you get to witness a slow and beautiful transformation. The hand-rolled tea leaves begin to awaken and open up, like a flower blooming in slow motion. As they unfurl, they release their complex aromatic oils and flavors, layer by layer. This gentle process allows for a much richer and more authentic taste profile. 

This quality allows for multiple infusions. Your first cup might reveal bright, floral notes, while a second steep might bring out a deeper, fruity sweetness. With each cup, you discover a new layer of the tea's personality. This makes a single serving of leaves an experience that evolves and continues to delight.

The Journey from Plant to Pouch: Crafting Our Taiwanese Oolong Tea

This incredible sensory experience begins long before the tea ever reaches your cup. The story starts with a single legendary plant and a very unique and special land. Every single tea in our collection comes from the Camellia sinensis plant species. So, how can one plant create such an incredible variety of tastes? The secret lies in its environment and the hands of the tea master.

This is where we explore the beautiful concept of tea terroir. Just like with fine wine, terroir refers to the unique combination of soil composition, altitude, and climate.  These are the factors that give each tea its soul and its distinct character. Our teas are proudly grown in the renowned high mountains of Taiwan. This  area is so famous for its tea that it has its own name: Gao Shan Cha. The cool mountain air, the frequent mist, and the rich soil create the perfect conditions for growing exceptionally flavorful and aromatic tea leaves.

After the leaves are carefully picked, our skilled tea masters begin their craft. They apply their generations-old expertise to control the tea oxidation levels with incredible precision. A light oxidation will result in a tea that is fresh and green. A heavier oxidation brings out deeper, darker notes. They may apply traditional roasting techniques that caramelize the natural sugars in the leaves and add a nutty or honey-like flavor. This entire process, from plant to pouch, is a labor of love and a true form of art.

A Curated Tour of Our Loose-Leaf Oolong Tea Collection

Now that you understand the craft behind the leaves, let’s explore the unique personalities waiting within our collection. Each tea we offer is a beautiful reflection of its specific cultivar names and origins. We invite you to browse our selections and find the perfect loose oolong tea that speaks to your palate.

Mountain Praise - The Essence of High-Mountain Oolong

Our Mountain Praise is the signature high-mountain oolong in our collection. It perfectly embodies the pure spirit of its origin. Grown at high altitudes where the air is crisp and clean, its tightly rolled leaves unfurl to release an incredibly smooth, buttery flavor with a light, refreshing floral aroma. It is a clean, elegant tea that serves as a perfect introduction to the world of Gao Shan Cha.

Jin Xuan No.12 - The Celebrated Milk Oolong Tea

The world-famous Jin Xuan No.12 is our beloved milk oolong tea. This is a favorite for both new tea drinkers and seasoned connoisseurs. This special cultivar is celebrated for its naturally creamy and buttery flavor notes. These notes develop in the leaf itself without any additives. The brew is exceptionally smooth and comforting with a sweet, milky finish. It's a testament to the wonders of Taiwanese tea cultivation.

Dong Ding - A Masterpiece of Traditional Roasted Oolong

For those who love a richer, deeper flavor profile, our Dong Ding is a timeless classic. As a traditional roasted oolong, it undergoes a special baking process that gives it its signature warm and comforting character. As you sip, you’ll discover nutty notes and a hint of toasted grain. You will also get a long-lasting honey-sweet aftertaste. It’s the perfect tea to curl up with on a cool day.

Red Jade No.18 - A Bold and Unique Cultivar

A truly special and unique selection in our portfolio is the Red Jade No.18. This remarkable Black tea comes from the Ruby 18 cultivar oolong. This is a hybrid developed in Taiwan that has become famous for its bold and unforgettable character. This tea has a beautiful, deep red liquor with surprising and complex notes of natural cinnamon and cool mint. It showcases the incredible diversity and innovation of Taiwanese oolong tea.

Our Aromatic and Floral Blends

We also invite you to explore our creative and artistic expressions of oolong. Teas like our Floral Rhythm No.21 offer a bright and uplifting experience. It is a wonderful floral oolong variety that showcases beautiful floral aroma profiles, with distinct notes of fresh orchid that perfume the air as it brews.

Our Singing Oriole is another unique aromatic oolong blend, designed to be both soothing and enchanting. For those moments that call for a celebration, bring out the Champagne Kiss. This is our signature oolong tea blend that offers a festive and joyful flavor that’s truly unforgettable. These teas demonstrate the incredible versatility of the oolong leaf.

The Art of Brewing: A Moment of Ritual

The right brewing method is key to unlocking the beautiful story these incredible leaves have to tell.. It becomes a personal ritual that is both calming and rewarding.

For the most authentic and deep experience, you can try the Gongfu tea ceremony. This traditional Chinese method uses a smaller teapot or a gaiwan (a lidded bowl) and multiple very short infusions. This approach allows you to taste the tea as its flavor evolves and changes with each steep. It’s a wonderful way to perform tea tasting notes and evaluation. This way, you can truly appreciate the complexity of the leaves.

For a simpler, more Western approach, you can easily use a tea infuser basket in your favorite mug. The key is to give the leaves plenty of room to expand. We recommend using fresh, filtered water heated to about 85°C - 95°C (185°F - 203°F). Steeping time can be anywhere from 1 to 3 minutes, depending on your preference. And please, don’t forget to re-steep! The second and third cups are often more delicious than the first steep.

Preserving Perfection: How to Store Your Tea

Your precious tea has completed a very long and careful journey to reach you. Now that it is in your care, here’s how to protect its freshness and flavor. Proper storage is absolutely crucial for preserving the quality and delicate flavours of loose-leaf oolong tea. This helps protect the beneficial tea antioxidants and polyphenols.

The most important rule to remember is to protect your tea from its four enemies: air, light, heat, and moisture. We strongly recommend following tea storage best practices to make sure your tea stays perfect. The best method is to keep your leaves in an airtight container, like a tea tin or a mason jar.

Store this container in a cool, dark cupboard, away from any strong odors like spices or coffee. Tea leaves can easily absorb these smells. These simple steps make sure that every single cup you brew will be as vibrant and fresh.

Begin Your Authentic Tea Journey

The difference between a simple cup of tea and a truly memorable tea experience lies in the quality, form, and spirit of the leaves. It's about taking the time to appreciate the craftsmanship and the natural beauty locked inside each rolled leaf.

We warmly invite you to explore our curated collection. Discover the rich and diverse flavors of our hand-picked selections. Also, embrace the simple, rewarding ritual of brewing. Begin your journey into the wonderful world of authentic loose-leaf oolong tea today and taste the remarkable Dong Po Tea difference for yourself.