Brewing ali shan oolong

[Katmandu]

Anyone have some tips - just received it today and I kNOW that the 5 min it says is waaaaay too long... thank u!

[tsverrir]

I use about 2 - 3 g in a 80ml gaiwan.
First I rinse the leaves for 5-10 sec with water just off boil (95°) then wait for about a minute while the leafs wake up.
Then I use 85 - 90° water for subsequent brews starting with ~20 sec and gradually adding a few seconds with every brew.

All the parameters are approximate, but I do measure the heat of the water when brewing greener Oolongs.

Good luck, I hope you'll enjoy.

[Cinnamon Kitty]

Using a gaiwan, I fill it about 1/4 full with leaves, generally enough to cover the bottom and little bit extra. Slightly less than boiling water (my zoji sits at 208*F) for 30 seconds, 20 seconds, 20 seconds, 20 seconds, 30 seconds, 40 seconds, 50 seconds, etc, per the instructions as nicely written in the Hou De blog as how to brew high mountain oolongs.

[Salsero]

Of course, as always, the last step is to report back to TeaChat on how it went!

[ChildOfNight]

I use a slightly heaping teaspoon, and use water at 190 degrees. I start by preheating my Koryo teacup with the hot water which has just enough room in the infuser insert so the leaves have room to open up. I dunk the Ali Shan for maybe 5 seconds in the hot water, just before and only for the first infusion. I Empty the water from the cup and begin my first infusion with around 8-10 oz water for 3 mins covered. Second infusion 4 minutes, 3rd and 4th infusion 5 minutes. I am sure it all depends on the person, but this way gives me minimum to no astringency and no bitterness. Comes out a very mild taste, as I don't like it too strong.