Cloudy Sunset № 3 (Dong Ding) Facts In the 1990s, a group of Taiwanese enthusiasts, inspired by a vision of unspoiled land, discovered a pristine area on Yunnan’s Cangshan Mountain at an altitude of 2,300 meters. Rich in humus and organic matter, this untouched terrain became the birthplace of their dream: to cultivate wild tea with minimal human intervention. Cloudy Sunset № 3 is a classic Dong Ding Oolong made from the Qingxin Oolong cultivar. The tea is moderately oxidized and heavily roasted using traditional longan wood charcoal, resulting in a tea with elevated aromas, a bright orange-red liquor, and a lingering finish. Source This tea is crafted by a Taiwanese tea master specializing in traditional longan wood charcoal roasting. With over 20 years of Buddhist practice and two published books on tea, the master approaches tea roasting with a philosophy of "non-ego," derived from Buddhist teachings. Instead of imposing personal aesthetics or intentions onto the tea, he focuses on observing and enhancing the tea's inherent qualities. Charcoal roasting is used not to embellish but to refine and reveal the tea's natural essence. The result is a tea with a nuanced texture that feels as though it resonates deeply within the cells—light yet full-bodied, intricate yet harmonious. Flavor Profile Cloudy Sunset № 3 combines floral, fruity, honey, and roasted aromas into a harmonious bouquet. The finish exhibits the low, resonant aftertaste characteristic of Dong Ding Oolong. Its roasted profile is refined and layered rather than overtly smoky, with a sweetness that lingers in the throat long after the last sip. The tea’s vibrant nature ensures a dynamic experience, revealing new dimensions with different brewing styles or moods. Its warming character and rich layers of flavor make it both stimulating and grounding, akin to a comforting ray of orange-hued sunlight on a cloudy day. Drinking Suggestion This tea’s warming and energizing nature makes it ideal for savoring during moments of quiet focus or as a pick-me-up after a long day. Its layers of roasted depth and vibrant aromas evoke a sense of renewed vitality, helping to clear mental fatigue and ground the body in warmth and clarity. Gongfu Style Use 5 – 5.5 g of tea leaves with 100 ml of water at 100° C. Steep for 40 seconds initially, increasing subsequent infusions by 5 – 10 seconds. Western Style Use 3 g of tea leaves with 500 ml of water, steeping for 3 – 5 minutes. Why We Share This Tea Among the Dong Ding Oolongs I’ve encountered, Cloudy Sunset № 3 stands out for its subtlety and finesse. It has transformed the perspectives of many who once held reservations about Dong Ding, illustrating how even a heavily roasted tea can embody a gentle elegance. Its dynamic flavor profile offers a new discovery with each brewing, a constant source of intrigue and comfort. Drinking this tea feels like basking in the warmth of an evening sun—a moment of care and renewal for both body and soul.
