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Ben Shan

Ben Shan

Ben Shan Oolong is a premium medium-roast oolong from Anxi, Fujian, made from the finest “AA” grade leaves. With a rich, smooth character and subtle creamy notes, it is an exceptional choice for tea connoisseurs seeking complexity and refinement.

Regular price £16.00 GBP
Regular price Sale price £16.00 GBP
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Delivery & returns

Free standard delivery for orders over £40. We aim to deliver your Waterloo Tea order quickly and securely. For full details on shipping options, delivery times, and our returns policy, please visit our Delivery Information page (link the delivery information page). 

Packaging

Our teas are designed with sustainability in mind. Loose leaf teas and tea bags are packed in recyclable pouches, and our tea bags are fully compostable, perfect for your home food waste bin.

Storage

Store your tea in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. Keep pouches sealed between uses to preserve flavour and character. Most teas remain enjoyable after their best-before date, though blends with added flavours may lose their intensity after this date.

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Description

Ben Shan Oolong showcases the careful cultivation and processing that define premium Anxi teas. Crafted from the highest-grade leaves, this medium-roast oolong delivers a balanced profile with gentle nuttiness and a soft, natural sweetness. A characteristic milk aroma, or nai xiang, emerges from the roasting process, adding a subtle creaminess that enhances the tea’s complexity without overpowering it.

Beyond its immediate appeal, Ben Shan Oolong has excellent ageing potential. When stored in optimal conditions, the tea continues to mature, developing deeper, more intricate layers of flavour over time. This makes it a versatile addition to any collection, offering enjoyment both in the present and for years to come.

Perfect for those seeking a refined, high-quality oolong, Ben Shan contrasts beautifully with lighter or more lightly oxidised teas such as Iron Goddess of Mercy or the more heavily oxidised oolongs such as Oriental Beauty, demonstrating the diversity of character within Anxi’s oolong tradition.

Origin

Ben Shan Oolong comes from Anxi county in Fujian province, China, one of the most celebrated regions for oolong tea. Nestled in the Wuyi and Lu Shan foothills, Anxi’s subtropical climate, high humidity, and mountainous terrain create an environment ideal for the slow cultivation of high-grade oolong leaves.

The “AA” grading indicates leaves of exceptional quality, with consistent size, shape, and appearance, harvested during carefully timed spring and autumn pickings. This meticulous selection ensures that the tea carries the hallmark clarity and depth of Anxi oolongs.

Processing

Ben Shan Oolong undergoes a traditional medium roasting that lasts approximately 10 hours at a controlled temperature of around 50°C. This slow, low-temperature roast develops the tea’s nutty, sweet, and subtly creamy nai xiang character while preserving the delicate structure of the leaves.

Prior to roasting, the leaves are partially oxidised and lightly rolled to encourage the formation of essential aromatic compounds. The combination of careful oxidation, rolling, and extended roasting produces a tea with smoothness, balance, and the potential to evolve further with age. Each step is carefully controlled to highlight the natural qualities of the leaves while enhancing complexity and mouthfeel.

Brewing the Perfect Cup

1g per 100ml | 100ºC |3-4 minutes

Start with 3-4 minute brew and then increase infusion by 30 seconds each time.