Phoenix Dan Cong vs Ya Shi Xian

Phoenix Dan Cong

Phoenix Dan Cong is a family of oolongs from the Fenghuang mountains of Guangdong, famous for natural apricot, orchid, and honey aromatics developed through slow oxidation and repeated charcoal roasting. The long, twisted leaves brew a fragrant cup with a thick, silky body and a distinctive mountain minerality. Each named variety — from Mi Lan Xiang to Ya Shi Xian — highlights a different aromatic profile.

Ya Shi Xian

Ya Shi Xian — the famously named 'duck shit' oolong — is a Phoenix Dan Cong variety whose name was meant to discourage theft of its prized bushes. In the cup it is anything but rustic: intensely floral with natural orchid and almond blossom notes, a soft honeyed sweetness, and a clean mineral finish. The twisted leaves are heavily aromatic and reward short, repeated steeps.

Phoenix Dan Cong

Water temperature

95–100°C

Leaf to water

3g / 250ml

Steep time

1–2 min

Re-steep

3–6 times

Ya Shi Xian

Water temperature

95–100°C

Leaf to water

3g / 250ml

Steep time

1–2 min

Re-steep

3–6 times

Phoenix Dan Cong

Medium caffeine — roughly 30–50 mg per brewed serving

A moderate, steady lift without an intense spike.

Ya Shi Xian

Medium caffeine — roughly 30–50 mg per brewed serving

A moderate, steady lift without an intense spike.

Phoenix Dan Cong

China · Guangdong (Fenghuang)

Dan Cong ('single bush') originally referred to teas made from individual old trees on Phoenix Mountain.

Ya Shi Xian

China · Guangdong (Fenghuang)

The name Ya Shi Xian is traditionally explained as a ruse by a grower to hide the cultivar's value from neighbors.