Oolong

Marulin

About Marulin farm

This tea comes from the Lin family. Grandpa Lin grew up farming and processing tea by hand before emigrating to the United States in 1976. Management of the farm and day‑to‑day production is now led by Uncle Lin (Grandpa Lin’s younger cousin), who has overseen the gardens since 2001 and runs a micro‑processing plant that also supports nearby farmers.

Nantou County in central Taiwan is known for tea and fruit agriculture; Mingjian Township, in particular, is home to oolong tea gardens alongside pineapple farms. In the village of Chisui, around 500 metres above sea level, iron‑rich red clay soils are widely credited by local producers with contributing to a richer, more structured cup.

Oolong sits between green and black tea: the leaves are partially oxidised, then heated to stabilise the final level of oxidation. Small shifts in picking, withering, oxidation and finishing can materially change aroma, sweetness and mouthfeel - one reason Uncle Lin produces multiple versions and keeps iterating.

Why Marulin farm

It was amazing to meet the Marulin team in person, and that experience is a big part of why we chose this tea.

This specific oolong won a Great Taste Award (2019, one star). It was harvested on 22 April 2018 and made on 24 April 2018 (Version 3).

In the cup, expect a white-floral lift, a light buttery sweetness, and a gentle citrus finish, with depth that reflects both the processing choices and the mineral character of Chisui’s soils.