Among the many distinctive fragrance types of Phoenix Dan Cong, Jiang Hua Xiang (姜花香) stands out for its remarkable character. Although its name may not be as familiar as some of the more well-known Dan Cong varieties, it is highly regarded in the local tea-producing region for its powerful and distinctive aroma.
We purchased this tea in 2023 and have since aged it in an oxygen-free environment in Japan. Over the years, the ageing process has further intensified and deepened its fragrance. We are now pleased to introduce it after giving it sufficient time to mature.
This tea comes from tea trees estimated to be around 60 years old, growing at approximately 1,200 metres above sea level in Gui Zhu Hu Village, Wudong, near the Tianchi area of the Wudong Mountains.
For Phoenix Dan Cong, both altitude and tree age are important factors influencing the character and quality of the tea. Grown at high altitude and harvested from aged Lao Cong tea trees, this tea has a depth and intensity that can be sensed from the moment hot water meets the leaves.
Its pronounced fragrance, rich character and lingering finish reflect both the quality of the tea trees and the unique environment in which they grow.
Understanding the Name “Jiang Hua Xiang”
The names of Phoenix Dan Cong teas are broadly classified in two ways. The first is by the varietal or genetic lineage of the tea tree, while the second is by the fragrance profile of the finished tea, known as a xiang xing or fragrance type. There are also a small number of teas named after their place of origin or the owner of the tea trees, but these are less common.
Jiang Hua Xiang (姜花香) belongs to the second category. It is a fragrance type rather than the name of a specific tea cultivar. When the finished tea displays the characteristic aroma of Jiang Hua Xiang, it is classified under this fragrance type.
In practice, experienced producers already know which tea trees consistently produce the Jiang Hua Xiang character, and the tea is therefore made from selected trees each year.
A Powerful and Distinctive Fragrance
Unlike varieties such as Mi Lan Xiang (Honey Orchid Fragrance), Xing Ren Xiang (Almond Fragrance) and Mi Tao Xiang (Honey Peach Fragrance), Jiang Hua Xiang does not have a particularly glamorous or familiar name. As a result, it is sometimes overlooked.
Yet in the Phoenix Mountain tea region, Jiang Hua Xiang is recognised for its exceptionally powerful and easily recognisable fragrance. It is known for an aroma reminiscent of ginger flowers, with a distinctive floral character and a subtle spicy quality.
As ginger flowers are not commonly encountered in Malaysia or Japan, the aroma can be easier to understand when compared with more familiar flowers. Its floral character can bring to mind lily, gardenia, magnolia, orchid (Cymbidium) and honeysuckle.
As you continue to taste the tea, the floral top notes are complemented by softer peach-like aromas, reminiscent of white peach and nectarine.
Jiang Hua Xiang belongs to a completely different fragrance family from Mi Lan Xiang. Its defining character is a powerful, spicy-floral top note, followed by layers of elegant floral and peach-like aromas. The result is a Phoenix Dan Cong with remarkable fragrance intensity, presence and individuality.
The Meaning of “Laocong” (老欉)
Bearing the name Laocong (老欉), this tea is characterised by an exceptionally long-lasting finish. A gentle sweetness remains in the mouth, while its fragrance continues to linger in the throat long after each sip. The tea is remarkably smooth and soft, making it very easy to drink.
Laocong is a term used to describe tea trees that have reached considerable age. However, there is no universally fixed definition of how old a tree must be to qualify. Depending on the producer or region, the term may refer to trees over 30 years old, while others use it only for trees over 50 years old.
More importantly, for experienced producers, Laocong is not simply a reference to the age of the tree. The finished tea must also display the distinctive character associated with mature tea trees — particularly in its depth, aroma, texture and lingering finish.
In fact, some producers we work with may choose not to classify a tea as Laocong, even when it comes from the same old trees, if a particular year's weather — such as excessive rainfall — results in tea of lower quality.
This reflects the significance of the term Laocong. It is not simply a label based on the age of the tree, but a recognition of the distinctive character and quality that a truly mature tea tree is capable of producing.