Botanical Dossier
Cui Yu vs Jin Xuan
Cui Yu
Oolong Tea · Taiwan
Grassy · Floral · Fresh
Jin Xuan
Oolong Tea · Taiwan
Creamy · Floral · Sweet
| Attribute | Cui Yu | Jin Xuan |
|---|---|---|
| Type | Oolong Tea | Oolong Tea |
| Origin | Taiwan | Taiwan |
| Region | Various | Various |
| Flavor | Grassy · Floral · Fresh | Creamy · Floral · Sweet |
| Body | Light | Medium |
| Caffeine | Medium (~20–40 mg) | Medium (~25–45 mg) |
| Oxidation | Low | Low |
| Roast | Low | Low |
| Brewing temp | 90–95°C | 90–95°C |
| Steep time | 1–2 min | 1–2 min |
| Re-steep | 3–6 times | 3–6 times |
Sensory Dissection
Flavor
Cui Yu
Cui Yu (TE #13) is a Taiwanese cultivar bred for a fresh, grassy-green character that sits between a green tea and a light oolong. The cup is lively and aromatic: sweet pea, fresh herbs, and a soft floral edge over a clean, juicy body. It is slightly brighter and more vegetal than Jin Xuan, with a crisp finish that makes it refreshing in warmer weather.
Jin Xuan
Jin Xuan is a modern Taiwanese cultivar (TE #12) famous for its naturally creamy, milk-like aroma and texture — no flavoring required. The cup is soft and buttery with a gentle floral lift and a smooth, sweet finish. It is forgiving to brew and widely produced at mid to high elevations, which has made it one of Taiwan's most popular everyday oolongs and a common gateway into Taiwanese tea.
Preparation Protocol
Brewing
Cui Yu
- Water temperature
- 90–95°C
- Leaf to water
- 3g / 250ml
- Steep time
- 1–2 min
- Re-steep
- 3–6 times
Jin Xuan
- Water temperature
- 90–95°C
- Leaf to water
- 3g / 250ml
- Steep time
- 1–2 min
- Re-steep
- 3–6 times
Biochemistry
Caffeine
Cui Yu
Medium caffeine — roughly 20–40 mg per brewed serving
A moderate, steady lift without an intense spike.
Jin Xuan
Medium caffeine — roughly 25–45 mg per brewed serving
A moderate, steady lift without an intense spike.
Craft & Microclimate
Origin
Cui Yu
Taiwan · Various
Cui Yu was released by Taiwan's tea research station shortly after Jin Xuan and is now grown island-wide.
Jin Xuan
Taiwan · Various
Jin Xuan was developed by Taiwan's tea research station in the 1980s and is now planted across the island.
Curator's Recommendation
Which one might you prefer?
There is no superior tea here — only distinct sensory journeys. Use your flavor memory and current mood to choose.
Choose Cui Yu if you like:
- Grassy
- Floral
- Fresh
Choose Jin Xuan if you like:
- Creamy
- Floral
- Sweet
Keep Exploring
Related teas to explore
Similar teas from both sides of this comparison.
