Country of Origin: Taiwan
Leaf Appearance: dark, long and twister
Ingredients: black tea
Steep time: 30 seconds
Water Temperature: 212 degrees
Preparation Method: porcelain gaiwan
Liquor: amber
I’ve been on a massive Taiwanese black tea kick lately so I couldn’t resist picking up a sample of this with my recent order. It is a newer style of black tea that uses leaves bitten by the ever helpful leaf hopper (the same little guy that brings us Oriental Beauty). The leaves were long and twisted, almost reminding me of a phoenix oolong. Delicate notes of honey and fruit ended in a smooth, sweet finish. The mouth-feel was fairly thick and there was no bitterness or astringency. Although mild mannered, I was still able to get at least six consecutive infusions. Gaiwans are always my go-to method of preparation but this tea would do really well if brewed in a more western way. Another Taiwanese black tea from this company, Taiwanese Wild Mountain Black, but this one was still a very good cup of tea. Sadly this tea was out of stock at the time that this tea was reviewed. Keep an on Stacy Lim’s site to see when it becomes available again.
Bi Xian Black sample received with an order from Butiki Teas.