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.
Terroir
The benchmark gardens are Dayuling (2400 m) and Huagang (2200 m); leaves from these elevations are gathered only on dry days.
Leaf
white pear, peach blossom, lily of the valley, a cool sugary finish; in long infusions — honey and a thin orchid very long, crystalline; the aftertaste is a 'pear trail' in the throat that holds for 40–60 minutes
Properties
very high theanine and volatile-ester content, low catechins; considered one of the most 'subtle' teas for the nervous system light, rising high — into head and behind the eyes; felt as a 'chime of altitude' at the temples 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