About
Grown in the remote indigenous village of Smangus (司馬庫斯) in Taiwan, this exceptional high mountain oolong tea is nurtured in one of the island’s most pristine and untouched environments. Known as the “Tea Garden of God,” the tea fields lie above 1,500 meters in elevation, nestled within the ancestral lands of the Atayal people. Smangus is not easily accessible—its remoteness has preserved ancient forests, fresh mountain air, and a unique biodiversity that profoundly influences the tea’s character.
At this high altitude, cool temperatures and misty conditions slow the tea’s growth, allowing the leaves to develop rich compounds and full-bodied structure. This results in thicker, more resilient leaves with enhanced brewing endurance. Each infusion reveals a vibrant golden-green liquor with a soothing clarity and elegant depth.
This tea offers a gentle yet layered profile: fresh floral notes reminiscent of wild orchids, soft fruity sweetness like sugarcane and stone fruits, and a clean, lingering aftertaste. What sets it apart is a subtle yet unmistakable hint of pine resin and forest woodiness, imparted by Smangus’ rare ecosystem. It's a tea that carries the soul of the forest in every cup.
Behind this tea is third-generation tea master Lee Ming-Cheng from Lugu, a revered name in Taiwanese tea craftsmanship. With decades of experience and uncompromising dedication to quality, Master Lee manages his own tea garden in Smangus, bringing traditional skills to one of Taiwan’s most sacred tea-growing regions.
Unlike the current trend of lightly oxidized high mountain oolongs that resemble green tea, Master Lee insists on a deeper oxidation level that enhances fruitiness, smooth sweetness, and digestive comfort. This approach takes more time, labor, and precision; but it yields a tea that is rich in aroma, gentle on the stomach, and deeply satisfying.
In short, it’s a masterful expression of balance between nature, time, and human care.
Behind This Tea