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Explore the famous Tea Region of Anxi with our Anxi Oolong Tea Sampler. Taste a curated selection of samples of Tie Guan Yin (4 grades), Hairy Crab, and Jin Guan Yin (a Tie Guan Yin and Huang Jin Gui Hybrid), and develop an appreciation for the distinct aroma, flavor and mouthfeel of these amazing teas.

Anxi is a famous tea producing region near the coast in southern Fujian Province of China. Oolong tea plants are ubiquitous throughout the countryside and grow abundantly in the fertile soil. Harvesting occurs mainly in the Spring and Autumn. After picking the tea it goes through elaborate processing involving withering, tossing, and rolling. Depending on the intention of the producer these teas can also be roasted. There are light, medium, and heavy styles of roasting and all have a market among tea lovers. As a result of modern demands, the teas produced tend to be much less roasted and much more green, floral and sweet. Major tea types from Anxi include the famous tieguanyin 铁观音, and the lesser known mao xie 毛蟹 and ben shan 本山 oolongs as well as huang jin gui 黄金桂 and the newly developed jinguanyin 金观音. For over 15 years we have been working with family farmers who have been growing and making tea for many generations in the Anxi region. Taste from our comprehensive offering of Anxi teas and experience the breadth of flavors from nectar sweet, to toasted nuttiness. These are a treat!

Updated October 28, 2024!

Here’s the 6 teas that you’ll get in this sampler!

2 packs of 7 grams each (1 Gao Xiang, 1 Hua Xiang) – Spring 2025

25 grams –  Spring 2025

50 grams –  Spring 2025

25 grams –  Spring 2025

25 grams –  Spring 2025

25 Grams –  Spring 2025

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Ya Shi Xiang Dan Cong (aka Duck Shit Aroma) is a rare Dan Cong varietal grown in and around Ping Keng Tou village in the Phoenix Mountains outside of Chaozhou in Guangdong Province. 

It’s called “duck shit aroma” because in the Ping Keng Tou village area the soil has a somewhat yellow brown look to it and is unique to that area.  With all teas the soil type is a key element in the tea’s taste.  Villagers wanting to guard the uniqueness of their tea bushes told outsiders that the color and uniqueness of the soil in their village was due to copious amounts of duck shit and began to call the their Dan Cong “duck shit aroma”.  True or not it’s an entertaining story which reveals why the tea has such a gross name.

Updated August 30th, 2024!

Here’s what you’ll receive: 

25 grams –  (Spring 2024)

25 grams – (Spring 2024)

10 grams – (Spring 2024)

Origin of the Name “Duck Shit Fragrance”: Legend has it that a tea farmer, in his lifetime, once told visiting tea enthusiasts that the mother tree of this tea originally grew in Wuling Mountain. It initially appeared unremarkable but was later transplanted to a lower-altitude area by the farmer’s family. Surprisingly, the tea trees thrived in the local yellow soil, which was colloquially referred to as “duck shit soil.” When the first harvest was brewed, it caused quite a sensation with its exceptional taste. As neighbors inquired about the name of the extraordinary tea, the farmer, fearing that others might steal his discovery, casually replied, “It’s nothing special, just tea grown in duck shit soil, and the aroma is like duck shit fragrance.” This offhand name, born out of a desire to keep the truth hidden, has since stuck and spread.

Production Area of “Duck Shit Fragrance”: The authentic production area of “Duck Shit Fragrance” primarily lies in the southeast slope of Fenghuang Mountain, often referred to as the “ridge of Chaozhou and Shantou.” It is distributed in the northeastern part of Chaozhou, including Wuling Mountain, Wupi Mountain, Zhugan Mountain, Dazhi Mountain, Wanfeng Mountain, Shuangpi Mountain, and other areas, all at elevations above 500 meters.

“Duck Shit Fragrance” single-estate tea belongs to the category of Wuyi Single-Estate. It was selected from natural hybrid offspring of the Phoenix Water Narcissus population on Fenghuang Mountain through single-plant screening. It is asexually propagated, grows as a small tree, has medium-sized leaves, and belongs to the medium bud category.

Due to its fast growth, high yield, elegant fragrance, “Duck Shit Fragrance” is widely favored by tea farmers. Nowadays, grafting and cloning techniques are commonly used in the Phoenix tea area, leading to an increase in its cultivation.

Characteristics of “Duck Shit Fragrance”: The dry tea leaves of “Duck Shit Fragrance” are thick, tightly curled, and dark brown with a glossy appearance. After brewing, the tea infusion exhibits a bright orange-yellow color, with a strong and uplifting fragrance that resembles floral and orchid scents. It possesses a unique and lingering mountain and honey aroma, with a rich and mellow taste, a strong aftertaste, and great endurance when it comes to multiple steepings.

Necessary Conditions for Producing High-Quality “Duck Shit Fragrance”: First and foremost is elevation, as the saying goes, “High mountains and mist produce good tea,” which is particularly apt for “Duck Shit Fragrance” tea.

Enjoying “Duck Shit Fragrance” single-estate tea emphasizes the “mountain charm,” which, in simple terms, refers to the taste of single-estate tea grown at high elevations. Only tea grown at a certain altitude can imbue “Duck Shit Fragrance” with its unique mountain charm.

In the core production area of single-estate tea, such as Fenghuang Town, tea harvested at elevations above 600 meters is called high-mountain single-estate tea, while tea harvested at elevations between 400 and 600 meters is called mid-mountain single-estate tea, and tea harvested below 400 meters is referred to as low-mountain single-estate tea.

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Throughout the Phoenix Mountains outlying Chaozhou city in north eastern Guangdong province, grow the historic tea plants used to create “Dan Cong” oolong teas. With a rich tradition that goes back over 900 years, these teas have truly magnificent aromas and unique flavors that come from volcanic soil. The tea plants from the high elevation can be hundreds of years old, and have highly sought after qualities. For over 10 years we have been sourcing superb Dan Cong oolong teas from family farmers that have been tending these tea trees for generations. This region has many different types of oolong that range from lightly oxidized to heavily oxidized and also have degrees of roasting. We have selected a special lineup of four of our personal favorites from this coveted area. Enjoy!

Updated May 16, 2024!

Here’s the 5 teas that you’ll get in this sampler! 

25 grams –  (2024)
25 grams –  (2024)
25 grams –  (2024)
25 grams –  (2024)
25 grams –  (2024)

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Updated October 28, 2024! 

Here’s what you’ll receive in this sampler: 

25 grams –  Spring 2024

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