Lishan Gao Shan (梨山高山茶)
archetype: Snow crane on a pear-tree slope
A snow crane above the pear orchards: high-mountain elegance, a pear note, a crystalline freshness.
History
Lishan Gao Shan is the highest of Taiwanese oolongs: plantations were laid out on the slopes of Mount Lishan (Taichung) in the 1980s, at altitudes of 1700–2400 m. This is close to the limit at which the tea bush can still grow. The leaf is gathered twice a year (spring and autumn), oxidised lightly (10–20 %), and barely roasted at all — all to preserve the fine pear-floral note unique to this tea.
Old mountain masters say that Lishan is 'the gods' shelf': at 2000 m the air already belongs to heaven, not to earth. If the leaf is gathered carefully, a part of that 'heavenly air' stays inside it. When such a tea is drunk, a faint chime appears in the throat — the voice of heaven answering in the human body.
Terroir
1700–2400 m — among the highest tea regions in the world. volcanic clay and basalt scree. very cool nights, thin air, dense cloudy mists; frosts in March and November. The benchmark gardens are Dayuling (2400 m) and Huagang (2200 m); leaves from these elevations are gathered only on dry days.
Leaf
dry leaf: tight jade-green pearls of very fine structure, with a clear pear scent in the dry leaf
warmed: the warmed leaf — white pear, lily of the valley, floral pollen, a faint note of snow
after pour: after the infusion — ripe pear, lily of the valley, acacia, a thin crystalline sweetness
taste: white pear, peach blossom, lily of the valley, a cool sugary finish; in long infusions — honey and a thin orchid
finish: very long, crystalline; the aftertaste is a 'pear trail' in the throat that holds for 40–60 minutes
Properties
TCM: cool, yin; clears heat, moistens the lungs, gently lowers yang, supports the shen
Modern: very high theanine and volatile-ester content, low catechins; considered one of the most 'subtle' teas for the nervous system
Cha qi: light, rising high — into head and behind the eyes; felt as a 'chime of altitude' at the temples
Caffeine: low to moderate (25–40 mg)
Brewing ritual
a thin porcelain gaiwan, 110 ml; 88 °C, soft; 7 g / 110 ml. 10s — white pear, lily of the valley, cool sweetness; 9s — the peak: peach blossom, fine honey; 11s — a snow note, crystalline sweetness; 16s — a long orchid, cool sugar; 28s — a thin echo, a pear trail; 42s — the finale — coolness in the throat, like high mountain air.
When to drink
morning and day — especially a slow morning. spring and summer. when you want clarity; when subtle perception is needed; before an important conversation. ripe pear, acacia, fine biscuits, white chocolate, light cheeses. a solitary slow morning, or a close conversation with an equal
Tea meditation
- The crane on the snowy slope makes no sharp movements.
- Take the sip on a slow in-breath.
- The pear note is the taste of distance.
Questions and answers
How do you brew Lishan Gao Shan?
a thin porcelain gaiwan, 110 ml; 88 °C, soft; 7 g / 110 ml. 10s — white pear, lily of the valley, cool sweetness; 9s — the peak: peach blossom, fine honey; 11s — a snow note, crystalline sweetness; 16s — a long orchid, cool sugar; 28s — a thin echo, a pear trail; 42s — the finale — coolness in the throat, like high mountain air.
What does Lishan Gao Shan taste like?
white pear, peach blossom, lily of the valley, a cool sugary finish; in long infusions — honey and a thin orchid
How much caffeine is in Lishan Gao Shan?
low to moderate (25–40 mg)
What are the effects of Lishan Gao Shan?
very high theanine and volatile-ester content, low catechins; considered one of the most 'subtle' teas for the nervous system
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