How to Choose Your First Phoenix Dancong
When trying Phoenix Dancong for the first time, the many aroma types and price ranges can be overwhelming. Keep these four key points in mind to pick the right tea.
1. Start with an Approachable Aroma
Dancong is famous for its fragrance. Common types include Mi Lan Xiang (Honey Orchid), Ya Shi Xiang (Duck Shit), and Xing Ren Xiang (Almond). Beginners should start with Mi Lan Xiang or Ya Shi Xiang – both have clear aromas and mild flavors. Mi Lan Xiang offers orchid and honey notes, while Ya Shi Xiang has a unique mountain charm and silver flower fragrance.
2. Check the Roast Level
Dancong comes in light roast and medium-heavy roast. Light roast produces a golden, clear infusion with high, fresh floral aromas; medium-heavy roast gives an orange-red liquor with deeper, fruitier notes. Beginners are advised to try light roast first, as the aroma is more direct and easier to appreciate.
3. Consider Origin and Altitude
Phoenix Dancong is grown in the Phoenix Mountain area of Chaozhou, Guangdong. Higher altitudes generally yield more refined flavors. High mountain tea (above 800m) tends to be delicate and smooth, while lower mountain teas may be more bitter. Choose mid-to-high mountain teas for a balance of quality and price.
4. Start with a Daily Drink
For your first purchase, you don't need to splurge. Start with a daily drinking grade (around a few hundred to a thousand NT per jin). Small quantities at an affordable price are perfect for everyday sipping. As you become familiar, you can explore higher-end single-bush or old-tree options.
When buying, ask for samples to taste-test. Experience the aroma and flavor firsthand, and find the Dancong that suits your palate – beginning your tea journey.
