Shan Lin Xi 2026 No.539

Shan Lin Xi – 杉林溪, means "Pine Forest Stream".

This is one of our favorites, which we’ve been continuously ordering from our Taiwanese tea farmer friends since 2016. Due to the ever-changing weather, each year's tea flavor profile shifts slightly. The Shan Lin Xi Green Jade was harvested a few days later than the previous Shan Lin Xi, and this small difference in the harvest primarily reflects in the tea’s greenish character, which harmoniously complements the buttery, biscuit-like notes.

Shan Lin Xi is located at an altitude of 1400 meters above sea level and is in Taiwan's high-mountain (gaoshan) tea region. Due to the cool mountain air, frequent mist, and wide temperature swings, the tea bushes grow more slowly. This produces softer, thicker, and tender leaves with less bitterness and a sweet aftertaste. High-altitude shade and cool weather can boost amino acids (like theanine) relative to catechins, reducing astringency.

Dry leaves: This tea smells like butter biscuits and warm milk
Wet leaves: The bready, baked notes turn into sweet floral gardenia notes with a pleasant greenness.
Taste: Sweet, with notes of honey and orange blossom mixed with milky jasmine florals. In later steepings, floral notes of orchid and gardenia will be revealed along with the overripe sweetness of apricots. The mouthfeel is clean and crisp.

This is a wonderful tea for morning breakfasts paired with pastries and croissants.

Quantity: 5-6 grams per 150ml gaiwan.
Water temperature: 90-95ºC. From fresh spring water or filtered water.
Brewing time: 20-30…seconds
Infusions: 6-8