Alishan vs Lishan

Alishan

Alishan is Taiwan's most famous high-mountain oolong, grown above 1,000 meters where cool, foggy conditions slow leaf growth and concentrate flavor. The tightly rolled green balls brew a pale golden cup that is creamy and softly floral — orchid, fresh butter, and a hint of sweet corn — with a silky body and a long, cooling finish. It is one of the most approachable high-mountain teas.

Lishan

Lishan is a high-mountain oolong from the central range's Lishan area, often grown above 1,600 meters where temperatures stay cool year-round. The cup is refined and cooling: soft orchid florals, a buttery creaminess, and a clean sweetness with a distinctive mountain minerality in the finish. Compared to Alishan it tends to be a touch more floral and a touch less milky, with an elegant, lingering aftertaste.

Alishan

Water temperature

90–95°C

Leaf to water

3g / 250ml

Steep time

1–2 min

Re-steep

3–6 times

Lishan

Water temperature

90–95°C

Leaf to water

3g / 250ml

Steep time

1–2 min

Re-steep

3–6 times

Alishan

Medium caffeine — roughly 25–45 mg per brewed serving

A moderate, steady lift without an intense spike.

Lishan

Medium caffeine — roughly 25–45 mg per brewed serving

A moderate, steady lift without an intense spike.

Alishan

Taiwan · Chiayi (Alishan)

Alishan's tea gardens sit between roughly 1,000 and 2,000 meters in the central mountain range of Taiwan.

Lishan

Taiwan · Taichung (Lishan)

Lishan ('Pear Mountain') is a high-elevation fruit- and tea-growing region in central Taiwan.