Phoenix Oolong Lao Cong Gui Hua Xiang Single Tree is harvested from a single tree, approximately 250 years old, growing at an altitude of about 1,000 m in Tou Ya Village.
“Gui Hua Xiang” means “osmanthus aroma” in Chinese. Under the current official standards, it is classified as an aroma type. Originally, however, the name was given to a single mother tree with an aroma reminiscent of osmanthus. As tea trees were propagated from this mother tree through cuttings, “Gui Hua Xiang” also came to be used as an aroma type name for teas with a similar aroma. Today, the name is still used in both senses: depending on the producer, it may refer either to the mother tree’s lineage or to the aroma type.
The aroma of osmanthus is very popular, and “Gui Hua Oolong,” scented with osmanthus flowers, is widely sold in China and Taiwan. There are also quite a few Phoenix Oolongs on the market that have been scented with osmanthus or other scents after processing. Gui Hua Xiang, in particular, is known for the many scented teas sold under its name.
However, Phoenix Oolong Lao Cong Gui Hua Xiang Single Tree 2023 has not been scented in any way. The tea leaves alone produce a distinct flavor reminiscent of osmanthus flowers. Gui Hua Xiang with this characteristic is extremely rare. We have tasted many Gui Hua Xiang teas over the years, but only a very few have had a clearly recognizable osmanthus flavor.
This single-tree tea has an exceptionally vivid osmanthus-like flavor. Its distinctive character and high quality continue to surprise us every time we drink it. It also offers the exceptionally long finish and rich aftertaste characteristic of a tree approximately 250 years old, allowing you to fully enjoy the appeal of a high-quality Gui Hua Xiang.
The tea tree of Lao Cong Gui Hua Xiang Single Tree

We frequently visit Fenghuang Town in Chaozhou, Guangdong Province, to source high-quality Phoenix Dan Cong Oolong tea directly.

An old Phoenix Dan Cong tree on Wu Dong Shan and me, Akira Hojo

Tea trees growing on the steep, rocky slopes of Wu Dong Shan
Among Dan Cong teas, tea harvested from especially old trees is called "Lao Cong."