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Jinxuan Oolong: Is Taiwan Tea No. 12 Only Milky?
Jinxuan oolong is made from Taiwan Tea No. 12, a tea cultivar. A natural milk-like aroma can develop with suitable fresh leaf and processing, but it is not equally strong in every tea. Cultivar, processing and the aroma of brewed leaves together provide a fuller picture.
Many people often ask whether Jin Xuan is oolong tea or green tea, but in fact, Jin Xuan is actually the name of the tea tree variety. The tea leaves picked from Jinxuan can be made into oolong tea or green tea through different degrees of fermentation. The production method and fermentation degree of Jin Xuan tea leaves in each tea factory vary, especially because Jin Xuan has a special milk flavour, processing changes how its milk-like aroma is expressed. However, most of the Jin Xuan tea trees in Taiwan are still mainly made into oolong tea.
The reason why Jin Xuan Oolong tea is popular with the public is because it combines the richness of black tea and the refreshingness of green tea. The special method of semi-fermentation is based on Taiwanese tea-making craftsmanship. Through the skills of master craftsmen, the unique taste of Jin Xuan is formed by carefully working the leaves, resulting in the uniquely Taiwanese flavour.
What is Jinxuan Oolong?
Where is the main producing area of Taiwanese Jin Xuan Oolong?
The areas where Jin Xuan tea trees are planted are divided into high mountain areas and low-to-middle-altitude areas. The high-altitude Jin Xuan Oolong is most famous in Alishan and Chiayi, and the low-to-medium altitude areas are in Nantou Zhushan, Taipei, Taoyuan, Hsinchu, and Miaoli. Whether high mountain or low-to-middle-altitude areas, Jin Xuan is suitable for places with short sunshine and large temperature gaps, so the leaves of the tea trees planted will be thick. In addition, because of the growing conditions, altitude alone should not be used to identify the cultivar; Qingxin Oolong is also grown in high-mountain tea regions.
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Introduction of Jin Xuan Oolong
- The Flavor of Jin Xuan Tea
Jin Xuan tea tree is a unique variety of improved tea in Taiwan. It is a hybrid variety grown from the tea tree Hard Branch Red Heart and Tainung No. 8. Mr. Wu Zhenduo, the “father of Taiwanese tea”, named two special varieties in Taiwan after his mother and grandmother – Jin Xuan and Cui Yu.
Name clarification: Jin Xuan has Tainung No. 8 as its female parent and Ying Zhi Hong Xin as its male parent. Taiwan Tea No. 8 (TTES No. 8) and Tainung No. 8 should not be treated as interchangeable names; the parentage record uses Tainung No. 8.
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- Taiwanese tea No.12 & “Er Qi Zai”
In 1981, Jinxuan was officially named “Taiwanese tea No. 12”, otherwise known as “Erqizai” among tea farmers under the strain code “2027”. Whether it is the official name of the government or the code name among tea farmers, it is because of the specialness of Jinxuan that it has a better variety of Taiwanese tea and has become one of the representatives of Taiwanese tea.
- Convenience Store & Bubble Tea Shop Jin Xuan Oolong
Jin Xuan Oolong tea can also be seen in Taiwan’s high-density convenience stores. Many major tea brands such as Yuchayuan and Yuancui use Jin Xuan Oolong tea in their products, which shows how much Taiwanese love Jin Xuan. In addition, the milk flavour of Jin Xuan is also popular in Taiwan’s bubble tea shops, among a range of tea drinkers.
The velvety smoothness of Jin Xuan Oolong tea is like a gentle embrace, soothing and comforting. As I indulge in its floral fragrance and honeyed sweetness, my soul is lifted to a higher realm of pure bliss.
Tea Classroom – Jinxuan Oolong Tea
Jin Xuan flavour and drinking preferences
Start with the aroma and texture you can observe. A general tea introduction does not establish a specific health effect; this article focuses on cultivar and flavour.
Adjust strength and serving size to your preferences. This article does not estimate caffeine from the cultivar or provide personal medical advice.
Features of Jin Xuan Oolong Tea
Jin Xuan tea tree is a mesophyte species, which can be harvested in low-to-mid altitude areas, with harvest timing depending on local conditions. The shape of Jin Xuan tea leaves are oval with broad leaves, and the side of the mesophyll is thick and tender. It is a high yielding tea tree, with the number of harvests depending on growing conditions. Jin Xuan tea trees are among the cultivars grown in Taiwan. Disease and pest management still depends on the growing situation, and are very popular among tea farmers. After planting, the tea is mainly produced as Oolong tea.
The taste and colour characteristics of Jin Xuan Oolong Tea
- Warm brewed leaves may make a milk-like note easier to notice
- A smooth texture may be present; bitterness depends on brewing
- The tea brew is transparent bright gold
- Sugary-milk tea aroma accompanied by a refreshing floral aroma
- Cultivar alone does not establish caffeine content
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Recommended Jin Xuan Oolong Tea Bags
Jin Xuan Oolong can be divided into Alpine Jin Xuan Oolong and Plain Jinxuan Oolong variants. The altitude at which the tea is planted will affect the aroma of the tea, but fresh leaf and processing also matter, so altitude alone does not predict milk aroma, whereas the Jin Xuan in flat land has a subtle and more refreshing milky aroma. Opening a bag of Jin Xuan Oolong offers a first aroma impression; compare it with the leaves after brewing. After repeated brewing, the expression can change from infusion to infusion. Jin Xuan tea bags are available in various packaging arrangements, but the triangular brewing bags are probably the most convenient options.
Brewing method of cold-extracted Jin Xuan Oolong
Jin Xuan Oolong Tea can be drunk hot or cold. The method of hot brewing is the same as that of other tea leaves. First, warm the tea set with hot water, then add 10 grams of tea leaves into the tea set, and brew with boiling water. The first brew takes about 50 seconds, and an additional 10 seconds should be added to each subsequent brew. The method of Jin Xuan Oolong cold-brewing is to put the tea leaves in cold water, then sit in the refrigerator for about four to five hours.
Brewing note: the original 10-gram quantity and timing above are reference values without a specified vessel capacity. Start with the water volume, temperature and time on your tea package, then change one variable at a time. No new tested recipe is claimed here.
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Sipping on the fragrant Jin Xuan Oolong, I am transported to the rolling hills of Nantou, where the sun-kissed leaves have been expertly crafted into this velvety tea. Its creamy, nutty flavor and lingering sweetness make it the perfect companion for a quiet afternoon, spent in the company of loved ones.
Taiwan Jin Xuan Oolong price
The price of Jin Xuan Oolong can be said to be very approachable. Due to the large planting area and the large quantity harvested annually, the price is much more affordable than other teas. In addition, Jin Xuan tea has been crowned with the name of Taiwanese tea, and it is one of the most popular teas for gift giving. As Jin Xuan tea has a mild milky taste, it is a good tea choice for those who cannot accept the bitterness of tea.
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How should you explore Jinxuan oolong aroma?
| Moment | What to notice |
|---|---|
| Dry leaf | Note the first impression without treating milk aroma as a score. |
| Warm wet leaf | The Ministry of Agriculture recommends boiling-water brewing, then pouring off the liquor before smelling the leaves. |
| In the cup | Let the tea cool a little and notice aroma and mouthfeel. This is an editorial observation suggestion. |
This is an editorial guide, not a product tasting test or a way to detect additives. A faint milk-like aroma alone does not establish quality.
Separate the cultivar from oxidation and roasting
Jin Xuan identifies the tea cultivar; partial oxidation and roasting describe different aspects of processing. The Ministry of Agriculture explains that processing changes aroma compounds, so a cultivar name is not a promise of one fixed aroma. ABoxTik describes its Jinxuan oolong with roasted-sugar and sugarcane-like notes. That is a product-page description, not a new tasting test performed for this article.
Explore the ABoxTik Jinxuan oolong product description
Jin Xuan questions beyond milk aroma
Can Jin Xuan have little obvious milk aroma?
Yes. Its expression depends on fresh leaf and processing. Confirm the cultivar through sourcing information rather than one aroma impression.
Are Taiwan Tea No. 8 and Tainung No. 8 interchangeable?
No. They are different names; the official record identifies Tainung No. 8 as the female parent of Jin Xuan.
Is Jin Xuan only used for oolong?
A cultivar is not a tea category. The Tea and Beverage Research Station also documents Jin Xuan among the small-leaf cultivars used for Yilan Suxin black tea.
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Editorial source review：2026-09-05