Bao Zhong - Wrapped Kind - Oolong Tea

One of the classics from Taiwan. Bao Zhong, together with Tie Guan Yin and Fo Shou, were the original three teas brought from China for cultivation. Its name translates as the Wrapped Kind and comes from the traditional method of packaging whereby it would be wrapped in paper sheets. Usually, this tea is one of the greener oolongs. However, our version is slightly different, because ours is encouraged to oxidise just a little bit longer. This allows the flavour profile to gradually shift away from the vegetal spectrum, until it strikes a perfect balance between vegetal, floral and fruity notes. This tea is also one of the few Taiwanese oolongs that is not ball rolled, a key factor that makes it rather suitable for aging. However, do not attempt to store this away in your cupboard and just forget about it, as proper oolong ageing is an art in its own right. Sometimes known as Wenshan Baozhong, in reference to the historical area where it used to be predominantly cultivated, and alternatively spelled as Pouchong. A versatile tea that is also a top choice for cold brewing.

Overview

Origin
● Harvest: 1st week April 2021
● Location: Pinglin, New Taipei City, Taiwan
● Altitude: 400-600m
● Cultivar: Qing Xin

Processing
● Method: hand-picked
● Pluck: bud plus 1-3 leaves
● Oxidation: 10-20%
● Roast: none

Tasting notes

Appearance
● Dry leaf: twisted and wiry whole leaves, dark olive green colour
● Wet leaf: unfurls partially, lightly bruised edges
● Liquor: daffodil colour, yellow hue

Aroma
● Dry leaf: melon, ripe pear, pastry
● Wet leaf: lilac, orange blossom
● Empty cup: dandelion

Flavour
● Taste: buttered spinach, almond
● Aftertaste: garden peas
● Mouthfeel: juicy, silky, medium astringency

Brewing tips

The following tips are for your guidance.
Please feel free to adjust to taste.

Gongfu style
● 5g per 100ml at 90°C (195°F)
● 15-20 secs for 1st steep
● add 5-10 secs for each re-steep
● 4-6 steeps total

Western style
● 1.2g per 100ml at 90-95°C (195-205°F)
● 2 mins for 1st steep
● add 30-60 secs for each re-steep
● 1-3 steeps total