In three successive seasons, we've made changes in the choice of tea we propose that originate from the area once known as Dayuling which stretched along the famous No. 8 Road leading to Lishan Village. Some of these changes were imposed by the gardens abandoning tea production, like in the case of the 88K garden from which the Spring 2022 Lot 1143 comes from, and some, like this spring's 2023 offering, finally culminating with a producer we always wanted to work with but couldn't, since his production is always pre-sold to high bidders. After years of putting our foot in the door, it swung open this spring 2023 with the succulent Lot 1231. This producer's factory is located closer to Fushoushan above the Lishan Village but he sources leaves from many outlying areas. Our Lot 1231 is made with leaves coming from the same 90K garden that gave us last winter's Lot 1158 but crafted elsewhere. This Lot 1231 is the match in (tea) heaven we were hoping for since we first experienced the craftsmanship of this producer back in 2016. We've reiterated at the end of October with our first Winter 2023 offering in Lot 1274. The secret to this factory lies in the more traditional approach in working with the leaf material, through a slightly more oxidized process and a more careful, less expedient ball rolling and drying procedure that renders a thicker, sweeter liqueur with a more expansive aroma and a deeply rewarding cup that can only emanate from a passionate tea maker. In the high stake world of high priced Lishan high mountain teas it's reassuring to meet tea makers that remain deeply connected to their craft and have chosen the path of excellence without making easy comprises to make more money. If, as a tea enthusiast, you always wondered what justifies paying such a price for an oolong tea, we would without hesitation propose that you try either the fresh Lot 1274 or the still excellent Spring 2023 Lot 1231. No words will need to be uttered. Your nose and palate will receive the convincing argument in liquid form.