Gukeng Guifei Oolong

Gukeng Guifei Oolong originates from the renowned tea-growing region Gukeng and was harvested in the spring of 2011 and processed by a renowned tea master. Made from the popular Qingxin cultivar, this tea is known for its exceptional quality and distinctive character.

The infusion presents itself in a golden amber hue and is accompanied by a rich, sweet fragrance with hints of honey, ripe fruit, and light floral notes. On the palate, the tea reveals a smooth, velvety texture with pronounced sweetness and a long-lasting aftertaste. Due to the higher altitude in Gukeng, fewer cicadas tend to infest the tea leaves, resulting in a milder Guifei aroma. This tea could be described as Guifei light. Thanks to expert craftsmanship and ideal storage since its harvest, Gukeng Guifei Oolong has developed an even more complex and harmonious character over time, making it a true delight for tea enthusiasts.

How is Guifei and Oriental Beauty Oolong tea made?

As with the Oriental Beauty, the tea plantations must be infested by the small cicada Jacobiasca formosana. As a defence mechanism, the tea plant then secretes an attractant to attract the natural enemy of the cicada, a spider. This changes the ingredients in the leaves and when processed correctly, the typical honey scent is created.

Dongding style

The processing of Guifei Oolong, which is also known as Concubine Oolong, originates from Dongding. Unlike Oriental Beauty, the tea is processed in the Dongding style, where the leaves are allowed to ripen longer, resulting in a more full-bodied aroma. Additionally, Guifei Oolongs are often roasted quite strongly, which is not done with Oriental Beauty.

This method of processing was developed after the heavy earthquake in 1999 and the severe typhoon in 2001, which greatly affected the Dongding region. While the tea farmers were occupied with repairing the damage, the tea plantations were neglected, creating a favorable environment for the small cicada. The farmers utilized this situation to develop Guifei Oolong based on Oriental Beauty.

Harvest date: spring 2011
Aroma: high aromatic, flowery and fruity, notes of honey
Oxidation: approx. 60%
Roasting: medium
Cultivar: Qingxin
Terroir: Gukeng, Nantou,Taiwan
Preparation: In this blog post you will find a description of how to brew Oolong tea in an optimal way.
Tip: The aroma of Gukeng Guifei Oolong unfolds best when it is not drunk too hot. Instead, wait until it has cooled down a bit in the cup. This tea is particularly suitable for infusion in a large cup or pot, as it does not become bitter and is very high-yielding. There is no need to pour off the infusion; simply let the tea leaves sink to the bottom.