Thunderstruck Phoenix Dancong Oolong

This tea cultivar with its origins as interesting as its name comes from a cultivar that survived a lightening strike over 100 years ago. Thunderstruck Phoenix Oolong, is also called Lei Kou Chai (雷扣柴) in Chinese. The name translates to "thunderstruck wood" or "lightning-struck tree," which refers to the legendary origin of this tea. The mother tree that produced this cultivar was said to have been struck by lightning, but it survived, and branches from the tree were propagated into the Lei Kou Chai cultivar.

This unique phoenix oolong has a sweet aroma reminiscent of caramelized fruit followed by soft floral notes of chrysanthemum.

The tea itself has a light texture with a lingering aftertaste of flowers and the freshness of green grapes. Although there is a slightly dry finish, this characteristic of the tea balances out the floral qualities of this tea, preventing it from becoming too perfume-y. Try slurping when drinking this tea to enjoy the full range of complexity this tea offers.

This tea prefers a heavier hand when it comes to tea leaves, using 7 grams of tea leaves in 90-120ml of hot water, around 206 degrees F (96 degrees C). Give the tea a quick rinse and steep for roughly 5-6 seconds for the first brew. The soft chrysanthemum aroma should be apparent on the first brew. The following brews should only be steeped for 1 second each and can be brewed 4-5 times. 

From its extraordinary origin to its well balanced harmony of soft florals and warmth, this tea is an excellent choice for tea drinkers who want an oolong that is complex yet easy to enjoy. It is also a great tea for beginners who are just starting to explore the world of oolong teas.

Overall, this is a unique Phoenix Oolong tea from China is a must-try for any tea connoisseur. 

Alternate Name: Lei Kou Chai (雷扣柴)

Origin: Phoenix Town, Guang Dong Province, China