{"product_id":"waterloo-tea-ben-shan","title":"Waterloo Tea - Ben Shan","description":"\u003cp\u003eBen Shan Oolong is a premium medium-roast oolong from Anxi, Fujian, made from the finest “AA” grade leaves. With a rich, smooth character and subtle creamy notes, it is an exceptional choice for tea connoisseurs seeking complexity and refinement.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv id=\"shopify-section-template--28267904106870__heading_text_H3FzPm\" class=\"shopify-section\"\u003e\n\u003csection id=\"section-template--28267904106870__heading_text_H3FzPm\" class=\"section-template--28267904106870__heading_text_H3FzPm color-scheme-1 gradient heading-text-section\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"page-width\"\u003e\n\u003ch2 class=\"h2\"\u003eDescription\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"rte\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan class=\"metafield-multi_line_text_field\"\u003eBen Shan Oolong showcases the careful cultivation and processing that define premium Anxi teas. Crafted from the highest-grade leaves, this medium-roast oolong delivers a balanced profile with gentle nuttiness and a soft, natural sweetness. A characteristic milk aroma, or nai xiang, emerges from the roasting process, adding a subtle creaminess that enhances the tea’s complexity without overpowering it.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eBeyond its immediate appeal, Ben Shan Oolong has excellent ageing potential. When stored in optimal conditions, the tea continues to mature, developing deeper, more intricate layers of flavour over time. This makes it a versatile addition to any collection, offering enjoyment both in the present and for years to come.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003ePerfect for those seeking a refined, high-quality oolong, Ben Shan contrasts beautifully with lighter or more lightly oxidised teas such as Iron Goddess of Mercy or the more heavily oxidised oolongs such as Oriental Beauty, demonstrating the diversity of character within Anxi’s oolong tradition.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/section\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv id=\"shopify-section-template--28267904106870__heading_text_NPJjEi\" class=\"shopify-section\"\u003e\n\u003csection id=\"section-template--28267904106870__heading_text_NPJjEi\" class=\"section-template--28267904106870__heading_text_NPJjEi color-scheme-5 gradient heading-text-section\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"page-width\"\u003e\n\u003ch2 class=\"h2\"\u003eOrigin\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"rte\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"metafield-rich_text_field\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBen Shan Oolong comes from Anxi county in Fujian province, China, one of the most celebrated regions for oolong tea. Nestled in the Wuyi and Lu Shan foothills, Anxi’s subtropical climate, high humidity, and mountainous terrain create an environment ideal for the slow cultivation of high-grade oolong leaves.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe “AA” grading indicates leaves of exceptional quality, with consistent size, shape, and appearance, harvested during carefully timed spring and autumn pickings. This meticulous selection ensures that the tea carries the hallmark clarity and depth of Anxi oolongs.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/section\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv id=\"shopify-section-template--28267904106870__heading_text_rykpjm\" class=\"shopify-section\"\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv id=\"shopify-section-template--28267904106870__heading_text_XVinJK\" class=\"shopify-section\"\u003e\n\u003csection id=\"section-template--28267904106870__heading_text_XVinJK\" class=\"section-template--28267904106870__heading_text_XVinJK color-scheme-2 gradient heading-text-section\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"page-width\"\u003e\n\u003ch2 class=\"h2\"\u003eProcessing\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"rte\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan class=\"metafield-multi_line_text_field\"\u003eBen Shan Oolong undergoes a traditional medium roasting that lasts approximately 10 hours at a controlled temperature of around 50°C. This slow, low-temperature roast develops the tea’s nutty, sweet, and subtly creamy nai xiang character while preserving the delicate structure of the leaves.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003ePrior to roasting, the leaves are partially oxidised and lightly rolled to encourage the formation of essential aromatic compounds. The combination of careful oxidation, rolling, and extended roasting produces a tea with smoothness, balance, and the potential to evolve further with age. Each step is carefully controlled to highlight the natural qualities of the leaves while enhancing complexity and mouthfeel.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/section\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv id=\"shopify-section-template--28267904106870__image_text_no_button_iRwCNE\" class=\"shopify-section\"\u003e\n\u003csection id=\"section-template--28267904106870__image_text_no_button_iRwCNE\" class=\"section-template--28267904106870__image_text_no_button_iRwCNE color-scheme-1 gradient image-with-text image-text-no-button\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"page-width\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"image-with-text__grid grid grid--gap-lg image-with-text__grid--reverse\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"image-with-text__content image-with-text__content--small\"\u003e\n\u003ch2 class=\"h2\"\u003eBrewing the Perfect Cup\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"rte\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"metafield-rich_text_field\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e1g per 100ml | 100ºC |3-4 minutes\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eStart with 3-4 minute brew and then increase infusion by 30 seconds each time.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/section\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"My Store","offers":[{"title":"Loose Leaf - 100","offer_id":58812989604175,"sku":"BS(WT)-LL-100","price":16.3,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0929\/6953\/3775\/files\/Ben_Shan.webp?v=1789739224","url":"https:\/\/ithaka.coffee\/products\/waterloo-tea-ben-shan","provider":"Ithaka","version":"1.0","type":"link"}