DISCOVER THE ART OF TAIWANESE TEA
Heritage Unveiled
Embark on a journey back to 1859, when British merchant John Dodd set sail in search of exotic treasures. His voyage led him to the verdant hills of Formosa, the island we now call Taiwan. There, amidst the lush landscapes, Dodd stumbled upon a hidden gem: Formosa oolong tea. Enchanted by its delicate aroma and exquisite flavour, Dodd recognised its potential to enchant palates worldwide. Fueled by passion and determination, he made his home in the lush land of Formosa in 1864 and shared this newfound treasure with the world since 1869, leaving an indelible mark on tea history as the trailblazer who introduced Formosa oolong tea to global acclaim.
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John Dodd's legacy is inseparably linked to the success of Formosa oolong tea. Having lived and loved Taiwan for over 30 years, he played a pivotal role in promoting and exporting Taiwanese oolong tea to global markets. Today, Dodd is honoured as the Father of Taiwanese Oolong Tea, a title that reflects his enduring impact on the tea industry and his lasting connection to the island he cherished.
John Dodd (1838-1907)
Father of Formosa Oolong
Champagne of Tea
Formosa (Formose) has been considered one of the top four tea regions in the world. Formosa oolong tea has earned the prestigious moniker 'Champagne of Tea' due to its exquisite flavour, delicate aroma, and exceptional quality since the 1860s.
Renowned for its unique production process and cultivated in the pristine climate of Taiwan's high mountain tea gardens, Formosa oolong embodies luxury and sophistication in every sip, offering a fragrance reminiscent of orchards and a velvety texture that envelops the palate.
Tea cultivation in northern Taiwan began as early as 1796–1820, when a settler from the Wuyi Mountains in Fujian brought tea seeds to the region. Taiwan’s journey into Oolong tea production gained momentum in the early 19th century, with broader cultivation documented in the 1850s as more tea plants and techniques were introduced from Fujian.
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During this period, settlers brought not only tea plants but also their expertise in tea processing. By the 1860s, Taiwan’s Oolong tea gained recognition, particularly in international markets. Over time, Taiwan developed its own distinct tea-making methods and varieties, resulting in world-renowned Oolong teas such as Tung Ting and High Mountain Oolong.
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Today, Taiwanese Oolong is celebrated globally for its unique flavour, aroma, and high quality, all influenced by the island’s exceptional climate and geography.
Elevated Quality
​Harnessing temperature fluctuations fosters gradual leaf development, enriching the tea's depth and imparting a sophisticated flavour profile.
Pristine Climate
Discover the magic of Taiwan's high mountain oolong tea, nurtured by the island's pristine climate. With crisp mountain air and fertile soil, each leaf thrives under the gentle embrace of nature, capturing the essence of its surroundings and infusing every cup with pure, unadulterated flavour.
Rich Soil
Delve into the richness of Taiwan's high mountain soil, where centuries of natural cultivation have bestowed unparalleled richness and depth to each tea leaf. Enriched by mineral-rich earth and nourished by mountain streams, our premium oolong teas embody the essence of their terroir, offering a taste of pure, unspoiled nature in every sip.
