Oolong Tea

Our company is inspired by the legendary poet and tea master Su Dongpo, and we are proud to continue his long tradition of excellence in the art of tea. This collection is our special tribute to the rich and complex world of oolong tea, a true marvel in the tea family.

This special type of tea is a perfect balance between Green Tea and black tea. It captures the light, fresh notes of green tea and the deep, fragrant aroma of black tea. Our journey begins in the pristine mountains of Taiwan, where we carefully cultivate and craft exceptional teas just for you. We invite you to explore the finest oolong tea experience with us.

What is Oolong Tea? The "Black Dragon" of Teas

Oolong is a traditional Chinese tea that is celebrated for its incredible variety and complex flavors. It is made from the leaves of the Camellia sinensis plant, which is the very same plant that gives us green tea and black tea. The magic that makes oolong unique lies in a special step called oxidation.

You can think of oxidation as what happens when a cut apple turns brown in the air. Green tea is not oxidized at all, which is why it stays so green and fresh. Black tea, on the other hand, is fully oxidized. This gives it a dark color and strong flavor. Oolong tea leaves are partially oxidized. This oxidation can range anywhere from a light 10% to a deep 85%. This gives the tea a wide spectrum of tastes and smells.

You can find an oolong tea for every preference. This can range from light, sweet, and slightly floral flavors to deep, woody, and roasted profiles. After processing, the leaves are often skillfully rolled into tight little balls or twisted into long, wiry strands. When you add hot water, these leaves beautifully unwind and release their wonderful aroma and flavor.

A Journey Through Time: The History of Oolong Tea

The story of oolong tea is as rich and layered as its flavor. Its history begins in the Fujian province of China, with some stories tracing back to the Tang Dynasty. The Wuyi Mountains tea from this region became so famous that it was made the "tribute tea,". This was an honorable gift reserved for the Emperor and the royal court. 

The name "oolong," or wūlóng in Chinese, means "Black Dragon." Legends say this name might refer to the dark, long, and twisted shape of the processed leaves, which look like little dragons.

Before oolong, there was primarily unoxidized green tea and later, fully oxidized black tea. Oolong tea was born when tea masters perfected the art of partial oxidation, a careful process that requires great skill. 

This technique truly flourished during the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644). By the Qing Dynasty (1644-1911), oolong tea's popularity soared, especially after a famous variety called Tie Guan Yin, or "Iron Goddess of Mercy," captivated the Emperor. 

In the 19th century, this special tea made its way to Taiwan. A scholar named Lin Feng Chi is said to have brought tea plants from China's Wuyi Mountains to Dong Ding Mountain in Taiwan. The new environment, with its unique climate and fertile soil, was perfect for these plants. This move marked the beginning of Taiwan's now-famous oolong tea production. Today, while oolong is produced in several countries, the most prized varieties still come from Fujian in China and the beautiful mountains of Taiwan.

The Dong Po Difference: Hand-Picked from the Heart of Taiwan

Our name, Dong Po Tea, is a tribute to Su Dongpo, a famous figure in Chinese history who was a true master of many arts, including tea tasting. His philosophy of finding virtue and character in a simple cup of tea is the mission that guides everything we do. We are dedicated to sharing that passion and expertise with you.

All of our incredible teas are grown in Taiwan, an island well-known for having the perfect conditions for growing high-quality tea. Our expertise comes from the traditional tea production methods that have been passed down from one generation to the next. We believe in quality over quantity, which is why we focus on creating small-batch, artisanal teas. This ensures that every single package of oolong tea from our collection delivers the highest standard of rich flavor and quality.

We believe in being open and honest about our process. We want you to know the story of your tea and the unique environment of the mountain in which our tea is grown. This commitment to authenticity is what makes our Hand Picked teas stand apart.

Explore Our Curated Oolong Tea Collection

In our classic collection, you can discover a perfect tea for every moment. Each variety we offer is a testament to the rich and celebrated tea culture found in Taiwan.

High Mountain Oolong Tea: The Pinnacle of Purity

Experience the crisp, clean, and wonderfully elegant flavor of our high mountain oolong tea. This special tea is grown at an elevation of over 1,000 meters, where the air is cooler and misty. These unique conditions cause the tea leaves to grow slowly. The result is a brew that is less bitter and naturally sweeter. The high altitude lends a smooth, buttery texture and a sweet, floral flavor that is truly unforgettable. It is one of the most sought-after types of oolong.

Mountain Praise: This is a stunning example of Taiwanese tea art. It offers a pure and refreshing taste. Mountain praise is a true tribute to the pristine mountains where it is born. It offers a pure and refreshing taste that serves as the perfect introduction to the world of high mountain oolongs.

Jin Xuan No. 12 (Milk Oolong): Famous around the world for its naturally creamy and milky notes. This variety of oolong is also known as "Golden Daylily" and was developed in Taiwan in the 1980s. It has a smooth texture and a light, floral finish that is truly delightful.

Roasted Oolong Tea: Deep, Rich, and Comforting

For those who enjoy a deeper and more robust flavor, our roasted oolong tea is a perfect choice. This type of oolong offers a wonderfully complex profile with comforting notes of honey, toasted nuts, and rich fruit. The roasting process is a skillful art that enhances the tea's natural sweetness and creates a wonderfully warm and soothing aroma.

Dong Ding Oolong Tea: This is a world-renowned traditional oolong tea and a true classic. Our dong ding oolong tea is a perfect example of a medium-roast tea that delivers a robust, nutty flavor with a smooth, caramel-like finish. It originates from Dong Ding Mountain in Lugu Township, Taiwan, a place with a long and storied history of producing exceptional teas.

Unique Varietals and Flavored Blends

Our collection also features many other unique expressions of oolong, including special teas with incredibly distinct and aromatic profiles. These special oolong teas from our collection are a wonderful way to explore the amazing diversity that oolong has to offer.

Red Jade No. 18: This is a remarkable and full-bodied dark tea. It is a unique hybrid cultivar developed in Taiwan and is known for its beautiful reddish liquor and surprising notes of natural cinnamon and cool mint.

Champagne Kiss Tea: A fun and celebratory blend that is perfect for special occasions or whenever you need a little lift.

A Note on Oolong Tea Bags: For the absolute best flavor and aroma, we specialize in loose-leaf oolong tea. However, we understand that convenience is also important. You can check out our available oolong tea bags for those moments when you need a great cup of tea on the go.

How to Brew the Perfect Cup of Oolong Tea

Unlocking the rich flavors and amazing aromas of your oolong tea is a simple and rewarding process. For a perfect cup, we recommend using about 2 to 3 grams of tea leaves per 8-ounce cup of water. The quality of your water makes a big difference, so try to use fresh, filtered water.

Heat up your water to a temperature between 195-205°F (90-96°C). If you don't have a thermometer, you can simply bring the water to a boil and then let it cool for about a minute. For the first steep, let the leaves infuse for about 45 to 60 seconds. One of the most wonderful qualities of oolong is its ability to be re-steeped many times. With each new infusion, you will discover new layers of flavor and aroma. 

The Celebrated Health Benefits of Oolong Tea

Beyond its delightful taste, oolong tea is also known for its health benefits. It is packed with antioxidants, such as polyphenols, which are beneficial for your health. Studies have shown that the antioxidant properties of oolong may help your body combat harmful free radicals.

The wonderful combination of caffeine and polyphenols found in oolong tea has been shown to potentially support a healthy metabolism, which can aid in weight management. Research has also suggested that regular consumption may support heart health by helping to lower cholesterol levels. The caffeine content can vary depending on the specific type of oolong and the steeping time, but it generally falls right between green tea and black tea. This makes it a perfect choice for a gentle boost of energy in the afternoon.

Why Choose Dong Po Tea for Your Oolong Journey?

We are much more than just a tea shop. We are your dedicated curators of an authentic and memorable tea experience. From our exceptional single-origin teas from the mountains of Taiwan to our beautifully curated Classic Collection gift sets, we provide a complete and thoughtful service for all tea lovers.

We offer detailed product information to help you understand the unique story and flavor of each tea. We also provide easy-to-follow brewing guides to ensure you have the best possible experience. Above all, we are deeply committed to sustainable and ethical sourcing, so you can feel good about the tea you are drinking.

Experience the Art of Oolong

We warmly invite you to explore our carefully selected collection and find the perfect oolong tea that speaks to your senses. When you choose Dong Po Tea, you are choosing to discover the rich history, dedicated craftsmanship, and immense passion that go into every single cup. Embrace a timeless tradition that has been celebrated for centuries and make it a beautiful part of your daily ritual.