Xing Ren Xiang - Almond Fragrance - 杏仁香 (2025)
Tea Profile
Type: Phoenix Dan Cong Oolong (单丛乌龙)
Location: Wudong Village (乌岽村), Phoenix Mountain, Guangdong
Altitude: About 1200 m
Harvest Date: April 4, 2025
Cultivar: Xing Ren Xiang 杏仁香 (Almond Fragrance)
Age of Tea Bushes: Over 60 years
Roasting Level: Medium roast
The Story of This Tea
Xing Ren Xiang, also called Ju Duo Zai 剧朵仔, is one of the traditional cultivars of Phoenix Dan Cong, famous for its almond-like fragrance and refined taste. The leaves are small with fine serrated edges, giving them the nickname “little shrimp” among Chaozhou tea makers. This cultivar expresses both fragrance and strength, a balance that defines the finest Dan Congs from Phoenix Mountain.
The 2025 harvest from Wudong Village was carefully roasted to a medium level to remove all greenness and bring forward the deep character of the old trees. The result is a tea with golden, oily liquor and a thick mouthfeel. It reveals layers of sweetness, almond warmth, and the distinct cong wei. A natural woody aroma unique to mature Dan Cong bushes.
Aroma and Flavour
This Xing Ren Xiang offers the perfect harmony of fragrance, depth, and body. The aroma is full of toasted almond and light wood, while the flavour is smooth, full, and free of any bitterness. The golden liquor has a natural sheen and feels soft yet substantial on the palate. Each infusion unfolds with elegant balance and a long, clean finish that highlights the purity of Wudong’s high-mountain terroir.
- Aroma: Pronounced almond fragrance with natural woody undertones
- Flavor: Full-bodied, rich, and balanced with no greenness
- Texture: Golden, oily, and smooth with satisfying depth
- Aftertaste: Long-lasting and clean with lingering sweetness and mountain freshness
- Steeping Endurance: 8 to 10 infusions with stable aroma and flavour
Brewing Guidelines
Gong Fu Style
- Teaware: Chaozhou red clay pot (朱泥壶) for depth or porcelain gaiwan for clarity
- Ratio: 7–8 g per 100 ml water
- Water: 95–100 °C spring water
- Infusions: Rinse once, then brew 8–10 infusions, gradually extending steeping time
Western Style
- Teaware: Porcelain or glass teapot
- Ratio: 3–4 g per 250 ml water
- Water: 95 °C
- Steeping: 2–3 minutes for the first infusion. Resteep 2–3 times, lengthening each round slightly
Why Choose This Tea
The 2025 Xing Ren Xiang from Wudong Village captures the depth and beauty of this classic Phoenix Dan Cong cultivar. Its almond fragrance, thick golden liquor, and elegant cong wei reflect the character of old Wudong tea trees and traditional roasting skill. A tea of richness and balance that rewards both casual enjoyment and meditative brewing.