ABOUT
Xing Ren Xiang Dan Cong is a traditional single-bush wulong tea produced in the Wudong Mountains, Chaozhou, Guangdong province, China. It is made from the Xing Ren Xiang cultivar, known for its distinctive almond-like aromatic profile. This tea represents a refined expression of Dan Cong craftsmanship, shaped by both cultivar identity and origin.
This particular tea is made from a single tea tree approximately 120 years old, providing a highly concentrated and stable leaf material. The production is carried out by a small family operation, guided by a tea master with over 90 years of experience. This level of expertise ensures careful control at every stage, preserving the integrity of the raw material.
The production follows traditional Dan Cong methods, including withering, controlled oxidation, fixation, rolling, and drying, often combined with careful roasting. The result is a tea that expresses both the depth of ancient tree material and the refinement of artisanal processing. Xing Ren Xiang Dan Cong is valued for its smooth texture, clarity, and a complex aromatic profile shaped by both origin and mastery.
TERROIR
Xing Ren Xiang Dan Cong is cultivated at elevations around and above 1,000 meters. This high-mountain environment is characterized by a humid subtropical climate, frequent mist, and strong day–night temperature variation. These conditions slow leaf development and allow for the accumulation of aromatic compounds, contributing to both intensity and clarity in the final tea.
The terrain consists of steep, rocky slopes with well-drained soils rich in minerals and organic matter. Tea trees grow in demanding conditions, developing deep root systems that penetrate the mountain substrate. This contributes to the density, resilience, and concentration of the leaf material, particularly important for single-tree production. Microclimate plays a defining role, with diffused sunlight, cloud cover, and consistent air movement regulating plant metabolism. This results in a balanced composition of amino acids and polyphenols, supporting both sweetness and structural depth. Compared to lower elevations, the leaves develop more slowly, producing a more refined and stable raw material.
Another important aspect is the interaction between terroir and tree age. The presence of a 120-year-old single tree enhances both aromatic complexity and stability, while the highland environment preserves purity and precision. This integration ensures that the final tea expresses both the distinctive character of Wudong terroir and the depth associated with ancient tea trees.
ORGANOLEPTICS
The dry leaf is long and tightly twisted, showing deep brown to dark charcoal tones with a subtle sheen from roasting. The aroma of the dry leaves is distinctive and refined, with notes of roasted almond, light cocoa, honey, and a gentle floral nuance. In a preheated teapot, the leaves release a layered aromatic profile from the first infusion, where the characteristic nutty tones are supported by soft fruit sweetness and a light roasted warmth. As the infusion develops, the aroma becomes more integrated, combining almond-like notes with dried fruit, light spice, and a smooth, slightly woody depth.
The aroma of the liquor is rich and harmonious, with a balanced combination of nutty, floral, and lightly sweet notes. The taste is smooth and structured, with a medium to full body and a refined, slightly viscous texture. A pronounced natural sweetness forms the core of the profile, supported by notes of roasted almond, ripe fruit, and a mild, well-integrated astringency that adds definition. The single-tree origin is reflected in the depth and persistence of the flavor. The aftertaste is long and dynamic, with a returning sweetness and a subtle cooling sensation. In the empty cup after drinking, an intense nutty and slightly sweet aroma remains, leaving a refined and memorable final impression.