The Taxonomy of Oolong
It is generally believed that Chinese teas are mainly divided into six categories, primarily based on their degree of fermentation. For instance, green tea is non-fermented, while dark tea is heavily fermented. Although there are significant differences in the picking and manufacturing processes of each type of tea, the classification based on the degree of fermentation is the most widely accepted.
Chinese Tea
├── 1. Green Tea
├── 2. White Tea
├── 3. Yellow Tea
├── 4. Oolong Tea
├── 5. Black Tea
└── 6. Dark Tea
Oolong is the most enchanting among China's six major types of tea, pursued as the ultimate indulgence by true connoisseurs of the beverage. Its aroma is complex, elegant, directional, and versatile, sometimes even elusive, yet capable of evoking the most beautiful feelings from the depths of one's heart. Its taste is rich and layered, infinitely variable yet easily grasped. The aging potential of oolong tea adds to its richness, offering even more possibilities.
4. Oolong
├── 4.1.Fujian Oolong（福建乌龙茶）
│ ├── 4.1.1. Rock Tea（武夷岩茶）
│ ├── 4.1.2. Iron Bodhisattva（安溪铁观音）
│ └── 4.1.3. Buddha’s Hand（永春佛手）
├── 4.2. Guangdong Oolong（广东乌龙茶）
│ ├── 4.2.1 Single Bush（凤凰单枞）
│ └── 4.2.2. Guangdong Water Fairy（广东水仙）
└── 4.3. Taiwan Oolong（台湾乌龙茶）
├── 4.3.1. Highland（高山茶）
├── 4.3.2. Snow Peak（冻顶乌龙）
├── 4.3.3. Oriental Beauty（东方美人茶）
└── 4.3.4. Jinxuan （金萱）
Among oolong teas, Rock Tea (Yancha) is hailed as the 'King of Oolongs'. Its purity, elegance, and captivating aroma make it stand out. The taste is akin to chocolate melting layer by layer on the palate, making it the most rewarding oolong to explore.
4.1.1.1. Rock Tea（岩茶）
├── 4.1.1.1.1. Red Rob（大红袍）
├── 4.1.1.1.2. Cassia（肉桂）
├── 4.1.1.1.3. Water Fairy（水仙）
├── 4.1.1.1.4. Iron Arhat（铁罗汉）
├── 4.1.1.1.5. White Cockscomb（白鸡冠）
├── 4.1.1.1.6. Half Way to Sky（半天腰）
├── 4.1.1.1.7. Water Beatles（水金龟）
├── 4.1.1.1.8. Rock Milk（石乳）
└── 4.1.1.1.9. Gorgeous （名枞）
├── 4.1.1.1.9.1. Bird's Tongue（雀舌）
├── 4.1.1.1.9.2. Yellow Roses（黄玫瑰）
├── 4.1.1.1.9.3. White Peony（白牡丹）
└── 4.1.1.1.9.4. Golden Key（金锁匙）
Single Bush (Dancong) , often hailed as the 'Queen of Oolongs', is celebrated for its rich and enchanting aromas as well as its complex and satisfying taste profiles. With an incredibly diverse range of varieties, Single Bush is a testament to the intricacies of oolong tea. The cultivation of new strains through human intervention adds to its complexity, constantly expanding the realm of possibilities within this tea category. Here, we will focus on the mature and representative strains that have already established their presence and character in the world of tea.
4.2.1. Single Bush
├── 4.2.1.1.Wild Angelica芝兰香
│ ├── 4.2.1.1.1. Eight Immortals (八仙)
│ ├── 4.2.1.1.2. Thunder Wood (雷扣柴)
│ ├── 4.2.1.1.3. Hencoop (鸡笼刊)
│ ├── 4.2.1.1.4 Brothers (兄弟茶)
│ ├── 4.2.1.1.5. Mandarin (柑叶)
│ ├── 4.2.1.1.6. Song Dynasty Angelica (宋种芝兰香)
│ ├── 4.2.1.1.7. Dark Leaf Angelica (乌叶芝兰香)
│ └── 4.2.1.1.8. Bamboo Angelica (竹叶芝兰香)
├── 4.2.1.2.Honey Orchid (蜜兰香)
├── 4.2.1.3.Magnolia (玉兰香)
├── 4.2.1..4.Osmanthus (桂花香)
├── 4.2.1.5.Tuberose (夜来香)
├── 4.2.1.6.Wild Cinnamon (肉桂香)
├── 4.2.1.7.Gingerlily (姜花香)
├── 4.2.1.8.Jasmine (茉莉香)
├── 4.2.1.9.Yellow Gardenia (黄枝香)
├── 4.2.1.10.Pomelo Blossom (柚花香)
├── 4.2.1.11.Orange Blossom (橙花香)
├── 4.2.1.12.Almond (杏仁香)
└── 4.2.1.13.No.1 Song Dynasty (宋种1号)