Dark Roast Oolong

Taiwan is renowned for its oolong teas, and the Alishan mountain range, located in central Taiwan, is one of its premier tea-producing regions. The high altitude, cool climate, and fertile soils of Alishan contribute to the distinctive flavour profiles of its teas. One of the special offerings from this region is the dark roast Alishan oolong. Here’s an in-depth look:

1. General Characteristics of Alishan Oolong: Oolong teas from Alishan are typically characterized by a creamy body, floral aroma, and a sweet, lingering aftertaste. They are often lightly oxidized, giving them a greenish appearance and a fresh flavour.

2. Dark Roasting Process: A dark roast Alishan oolong undergoes a longer and more intense roasting process than the typical Alishan oolong. This roasting imparts a deeper colour to the leaves and a more complex flavour profile. The tea loses some of its floral notes but gains richer, toasty, and sometimes caramel or chocolaty undertones.

3. Flavour Profile: The flavour of dark roast Alishan oolong can be described as robust with hints of toasted nuts, wood, and sometimes dark fruit. There’s a noticeable depth to the flavour, with the underlying sweetness of the Alishan oolong still shining through.

4. Appearance: The leaves are typically tightly rolled into small balls, which unfurl during brewing, revealing large, whole leaves. Due to the extended roasting, the leaves take on a darker hue compared to lightly oxidized oolongs.

5. Brewing Recommendations: Using freshly boiled water that has cooled slightly (around 85°C to 90°C) is ideal. The tea can be steeped multiple times, with each infusion revealing a slightly different flavour nuance.

6. Terroir Impact: Alishan’s high-altitude environment means that tea plants grow slower, allowing them to accumulate more nutrients and flavour compounds. The frequent mists and cooler temperatures also contribute to the tea’s sweet and smooth character.

7. Economic and Cultural Importance: Alishan oolong, including its dark roast variant, is highly sought after both domestically in Taiwan and internationally. It has played a significant role in promoting Taiwanese tea culture and boosting the local economy.

8. Storage: Due to its roasting level, dark roast Alishan oolong can be stored for longer periods than its lightly oxidized counterpart. In fact, the flavour can even improve and mellow out with time, much like aged teas.

9. Pairing: The rich and toasty flavour of dark roast Alishan oolong pairs well with slightly sweet desserts, roasted meats, and even some cheeses.

Dark Roast Alishan oolong is a testament to the art of tea processing. While the fresh and floral characteristics of Alishan oolong are delightful in their own right, the deeper, more complex flavours achieved through extended roasting offer a different, equally rewarding experience.