Sometimes we get to be pleasantly surprised by exceptional teas without looking for them. These findings are purely circumstantial, and most often happen when we are not in working mode. This is one of those finds. We always enjoy going up into the surrounding hills when visiting Taipei. This area also happens to be one of the first to be planted with Chinese tea bushes in Taiwan in the 19th century and the presence of the Tie Guan Yin strand is very common and well adapted to these hills. The town of Muzha is particularly reputed for its traditional style, higher-oxidized oolong teas. For several years now we've been promoting and selling teas from this area at wholesale but didn't have the opportunity up to now to feature them on Taiwan Tea Crafts. Why? – Simply because they are rare and got snatched right away by our wholesale customers! This stops now as we re-introduce Muzha tie Guan Yin Oolong Teas with this stellar Competition Grade tea. Made by our Muzha based collaborator and submitted to the Winter 2023 Competition, this Finalist Grade tea has received the seal of approval by the judges of the competition as it met their criteria to be declared an authentic and properly made Muzha Tie Guan Yin. Finalist Grade teas are also available at about the same price as if you purchased the tea in bulk; reason the more to propose it in this attractive gift box, sealed by the organizers of the competition. It has everything one must expect from a good Muzha Tie Guan YinTea: a smooth, layered complexity that challenges the palate but never aggresses it. The dried fruits are there, the roasted nuts, the caramelized sweetness and the spiciness. Everything is there in a perfect harmonious balance. And it has body and persistence, which is not common! This is often the sign of a well fired tea showing the skill of its maker. This tea is already good as it is, but will become a stellar one if allowed to age, if you can resist not drinking it now... Enjoy!