From the first sip, it’s clear——this tea is something special. With a thick, silky texture and absolutely no dryness, it makes your mouth water and glides effortlessly down the throat and chest. The buttery caramel aroma is balanced by a gentle yet distinct floral quality, reminiscent of orchids and honeysuckle. The flavor is rich with a honey syrup-like sweetness and a slight hint of citrusy orange blossom at the top. From its mouthfeel to its aroma to the clean, warming sensation it leaves behind, everything about this tea is phenomenal.
Despite its name, Duckshit Oolong has nothing to do with ducks or anything unpleasant. The story goes that tea farmers, hoping to keep this incredible tea a secret, gave it an unappealing name to deter others from taking cuttings. But even after the secret is out, people still endearingly refer to it by this name. This tea originates from the high Phoenix Mountain in Chaozhou, Guangdong, where high altitudes, mineral-rich soil, and expert craftsmanship create some of the most aromatic and flavorful oolongs.
This tea is satisfying on its own, but it’s also a perfect after-meal tea. Its clean and refreshing finish makes it an excellent way to reset your palate and settle the stomach after a rich meal. The balance of sweetness, floral complexity, and smooth texture leaves you feeling refreshed and completely content.
Gongfu Brewing Instructions
To get the full depth of flavor, use 5 grams of tea in a 90-120ml gaiwan with water at 204ºF (95ºC). Start by giving it a quick rinse to open up the tea leaves and warm your cup. Then steep for 15 seconds for the first infusion only. Reduce the steep time to 5 seconds from the second infusion onwards for an even smoother sip.
After the 8th brew, increase the steeping time by 1-2 seconds per infusion.
If you accidentally oversteep it, it will become slightly more astringent, but it isn’t an overpowering and off-putting bitterness. Thanks to its exceptional quality, you can brew this tea up to 22-25 times, for leisurely tea sessions or to share with many friends.
This is the kind of Phoenix Oolong sets the bar high——flavorul, complex, smooth, and endlessly rewarding.
Region: Chaozhou, Guangdong
Notes: Buttery Caramel, Honeysuckle, Orange Blossom
