Ya Shi Xiang 鸭屎香 (2025)

Tea Profile

Type: Phoenix Dan Cong Oolong (单丛乌龙)
Location: Dongjiao Village 东郊, Fenghuang Mountain, Chaozhou, Guangdong
Altitude: Around 800m
Harvest Date: April 18th, 2025
Cultivar: Ya Shi Xiang 鸭屎香
Age of Tea Bushes: Around 40 years
Roasting Level: Lower-medium roast, two firings

The Story of This Tea

Ya Shi Xiang, one of the most distinctive Phoenix Dan Cong cultivars, has become famous not only for its remarkable fragrance but also for its unusual name. Its origin traces back to Xiaping Kengtou Village, Fengxi District, Chaozhou, where the mother tree was planted by tea farmer Wei Chunshi more than 70 years ago. It grew in a type of yellow loam rich in chalk minerals, locally nicknamed “duck sh*t soil.”

When villagers praised the tea for its exceptional aroma, they asked for its name. To protect the rare plant from theft, Wei jokingly called it “Duck Sh*t Fragrance.” The name stuck, and today it is one of the most celebrated Phoenix Dancong cultivars worldwide.

This 2025 harvest from Dongjiao Village was roasted twice to a lower-medium level, enhancing its sweetness while preserving its layered floral character.

Aroma and Flavour

The dry leaves are tightly twisted and dark green, with robust material. When brewed, the liquor is bright and clear, releasing a powerful fragrance that combines high floral intensity with subtle sweetness. The taste is mellow, smooth, and balanced, with a full body and long-lasting aftertaste that remains sweet and refreshing across many infusions.

Brewing Guidelines

Gong Fu Style

• Teaware: Chaozhou red clay teapot (朱泥壶) or porcelain gaiwan

• Ratio: 7–8g per 100ml water

• Water: 95–100°C spring water

• Infusions: Rinse once, then brew 8–10 infusions, extending steeping time gradually

Western Style

• Teaware: Porcelain or glass teapot

• Ratio: 3–4g per 250ml water

• Water: 95°C

• Steeping: 2–3 minutes for the first infusion, resteep 2–3 times

Why Choose This Tea

Ya Shi Xiang is one of Phoenix Mountain’s most legendary teas, famous for its unusual name and unforgettable fragrance. With its intense florals, smooth sweetness, and strong endurance, this 2025 Dongjiao harvest is an excellent example of why this cultivar has become so beloved among Dan Cong drinkers.