Huang Zhi Xiang Dan Cong
One of the ten classical Dan Cong aroma types, named for gardenia. It is among the most assertively perfumed teas made anywhere, and also among the most punishing to over-steep — the same compounds that carry the fragrance carry a sharp bitterness a few seconds later.
Character
Extremely fragrant and extremely unforgiving. Brewed correctly it is one of the most aromatic teas in existence; brewed five seconds long it is close to undrinkable.
- Flavour
- Floral, Citrus, Sweet
- Aroma
- Jasmine like, Orchid
- Mouthfeel
- Bitter, Astringent, Complex
- Complexity
- Layered
- Notes
- gardenia, jasmine, citrus blossom, green stem
- Aftertaste
- Strongly perfumed, with a bitter-sweet cooling return.
Bold intensity: full-bodied, astringent or bitter enough to lead the cup.
Provenance and production
- Origin
- China
- Region
- Phoenix Mountain
- Oxidation
- Partially oxidised
- Roast
- Light
- Harvest
- Spring
- Processing
- Withering → Bruising (shaking) → Kill-green (fixation) → Rolling and shaping → Roasting
Brewing
Gongfu brewing (gaiwan)
5–6 g/100 ml · 95–100 °C · 6 authored infusions
Western brewing (teapot or mug)
1.5–2.5 g/100 ml · 90–95 °C · 2 authored infusions
No caffeine estimate is authored for this tea. TeaHQ does not infer one from its category, because category predicts caffeine poorly — matcha and gyokuro carry more than many black teas.
Common mistakes
- Any steep over ten seconds early in a session
If you like this
Grouped by why they were suggested, strongest reason first. Nothing here is a blended score — a suggestion appears under the best reason that exists for it, and never under a weaker one as well.
Editorially linked
Someone wrote down why these two belong together. The note below is theirs.
- Gui Hua Xiang
Two Dan Cong aroma types, both stone-fruit-leaning, distinguished by the specific flower each is named for.
- Mi Lan Xiang Dan Cong
Two Dan Cong aroma types, both honey-and-stone-fruit leaning. The aroma names describe intrinsic character rather than anything added, and sellers apply them inconsistently.
- Xing Ren Xiang Dan Cong
Two stone-fruit Dan Cong aroma types, both almond-and-apricot in character and often mislabelled as each other.
Similar sensory profile
Shares controlled flavour, aroma and mouthfeel descriptors. A looser match — two teas can share descriptors and still taste nothing alike.
- Phoenix Dan Cong
Shares 6 descriptors with Huang Zhi Xiang Dan Cong: floral, sweet, astringent, bitter, complex and orchid.
- Ya Shi Xiang Dan Cong
Shares 6 descriptors with Huang Zhi Xiang Dan Cong: floral, citrus, astringent, bitter, complex and orchid.
- You Hua Xiang
Shares 5 descriptors with Huang Zhi Xiang Dan Cong: floral, citrus, sweet, complex and orchid.
- Zhi Lan Xiang Dan Cong
Shares 5 descriptors with Huang Zhi Xiang Dan Cong: floral, astringent, bitter, complex and orchid.
- Alishan oolong
Shares 4 descriptors with Huang Zhi Xiang Dan Cong: floral, sweet, complex and orchid.