Lishan Traditional Roast

Lishan Traditional Roast is a medium-oxidized, medium-roasted highland tea from Lishan using tea leaves of the Qingxin cultivar. Qingxin means green heart. It is the cultivar with the longest history of cultivation in Taiwan, the most popular among tea farmers and tea drinkers alike, and by far the most widely cultivated. When people talk about Oolong in Taiwan, they usually refer to it as “Qingxin-Oolong”. It is the same cultivar from which the traditional, genuine Dongding is made.

Since the 1980s, tea cultivation in Taiwan has increasingly expanded into higher mountain elevations, where the Qingxin cultivar thrives exceptionally well and is now the most widespread. The local climate, characterized by significant temperature fluctuations and frequent fog, produces especially refined, elegant, and sweet tea profiles. Originally, these high mountain Oolongs (Gaoshan) were valued as an alternative to traditional Dongding or lowland teas. Today, however, most high mountain Oolongs are lightly oxidized and bear little resemblance to the classic Oolong character.

Lishan Traditional Roast stands out through its more traditional, moderate processing, allowing the tea to retain its original Oolong characteristics. Its aroma is particularly harmonious: Floral and sweet notes are complemented by a gentle honey sweetness and subtle hints of almond and marzipan. The medium roasting imparts a pleasant depth with nuanced undertones of pastry and mild spice. The delicate red edges visible on the leaves indicate the traditional processing method.

The taste of Lishan Traditional Roast is full-bodied and balanced, with a lingering finish that invites a mindful exploration of its complex aromas. Due to its moderate processing, this tea is ideal for aging, gaining further depth and aromatic complexity as it matures.

Harvest time: spring 2016
Aroma: floral, with notes of honey, almond and marzipan
Oxidation: approx. 30%
Roasting: medium
Cultivar: Qingxin
Terroir: Lishan, Nantou, Taiwan
Preparation: In this blogpost you will find a description of how to brew Oolong tea.
Tip: The flavor of Lishan Traditional Roast is best experienced when the tea is allowed to cool slightly in the cup before drinking. This enhances the complexity and depth of its aromatic profile. It’s also excellent for preparation in a larger cup or pot, as it yields multiple flavorful infusions without turning bitter. Simply allow the tea leaves to settle naturally at the bottom. There’s no need to strain them.