Jin Xuan Tea, also known as Milk Oolong, is a relatively recent addition to Taiwan’s tea family, developed in the 1980s. It is famed for its naturally creamy and buttery taste. In contrast, Dong Ding Oolong Tea has deeper historical roots in Taiwan, originating from the Dong Ding Mountain in the Lugu region. This tea is known for its traditional processing methods and robust flavor.

Jin Xuan is cultivated at high altitudes, which contributes to its delicate floral notes. The tea undergoes light oxidation and is often lightly roasted, enhancing its milky and creamy texture. Dong Ding Oolong undergoes a more intensive processing routine, including heavier oxidation and longer roasting, giving it a characteristic toasted and woody flavor profile.

Jin Xuan Tea is celebrated for its smooth, soft texture and subtle sweetness, with hints of cream and a light floral fragrance. It’s an inviting tea for those who enjoy gentle, soothing flavors. Dong Ding Oolong offers a bolder taste, with a complex blend of woody, nutty, and sometimes fruity flavors, and a lingering, robust aftertaste.

Both teas are rich in antioxidants, providing numerous health benefits such as boosting the immune system and reducing the risk of chronic diseases. Jin Xuan's lighter oxidation may retain more catechins, offering slightly higher anti-inflammatory properties. Dong Ding's richer oxidation level enhances its stress-reducing and metabolic benefits.

To fully appreciate Jin Xuan, brewing with cooler water (around 85°C) is recommended to preserve its delicate flavors. Dong Ding Oolong Tea, on the other hand, can handle hotter water (up to 95°C), which helps to extract its deeper, more intense flavors. Both teas can be re-steeped multiple times, revealing new layers of taste with each infusion.

While Jin Xuan is a modern innovation that represents Taiwan’s ability to create new, flavorful teas, Dong Ding is steeped in tradition and regarded as a true representation of Taiwanese oolong tea craftsmanship. Each has its own place in tea ceremonies and is highly valued by tea connoisseurs worldwide.