Fenghuang Dan Cong – Ya Shi Xiang

Ya Shi Xiang (Duck Shit Oolong) – A Name You’ll Never Forget, A Tea You’ll Always Crave

I know what you’re thinking. Duck shit oolong?! Trust me, the name might be a conversation starter (or stopper), but the tea itself is pure magic. This legendary Dan Cong oolong hails from Fenghuang (Phoenix) Mountain, where ducks once roamed freely around the tea bushes, naturally fertilizing them. The cheeky farmers playfully named the tea, only realizing they might need a re-branding after their secret got out and the name raised eyebrows!

From the first steep, it’s all sweet dried fruit, floral brightness, and a creamy mouthfeel that makes you wonder how something so smooth got saddled with such a name. The liquor glows gold and radiant, releasing a honeyed gardenia aroma that pulls you right in. Then, the flavors unfold—first a delicate yet lingering gardenia, then a bolder floral presence, all resting on that signature Dan Cong foundation.

By the third and fourth infusions, the tea stretches out into something even more refined, with whispers of dandelion milk in the background. The texture becomes just as captivating as the flavor. The mouthfeel is bright and creamy, coating the palate with a silky smoothness that lingers long after each sip. It’s both cleansing and comforting. The bottom cup carries a gentle sweetness, with light gardenia notes that hint at the floral elegance still lingering in the aftertaste. Meanwhile, the gaiwan lid reveals a fascinating contrast—soft, creamy gardenia layered with a whisper of sweet roastiness, a reminder of this tea’s delicate yet sturdy character.

Each sip of this ‘Duck Shit Ooong’ is bright, creamy, and cleansing, leaving you refreshed and slightly amazed that you ever doubted this tea. And if you still can’t get past the name? That’s fine—I’ll keep the good stuff for myself.