According to historical records, Fenghuang Dancong tea boasts as many as 79 natural aroma profiles. In 1996, ten official aroma profiles were formally established: “Huang Zhi Xiang, Zhi Lan Xiang, Mi Lan Xiang, Gui Hua Xiang, Yu Lan Xiang, Jiang Hua Xiang, Ye Lai Xiang, Mo Li Xiang, Xing Ren Xiang, and Rou Gui Xiang.”
Top 10 Aroma Profiles of Fenghuang Dancong Tea
| Aroma Profile | Representative Tea Cultivar | Characteristics |
|---|---|---|
| Huang Zhi Xiang (Gardenia Aroma) | Song Zhong Huang Zhi Xiang Dancong | Renowned for its distinct cape jasmine (gardenia) fragrance and honeyed undertones. |
| Zhi Lan Xiang (Orchid Aroma) | Bamboo Leaf Dancong | Named for its narrow, bamboo-like leaves. It yields a high, sharp, and lingering orchid fragrance, often hailed as the “King of Zhi Lan.” |
| Mi Lan Xiang (Honey Orchid Aroma) | Mi Lan Xiang Dancong | Named for its combination of rich honey notes and orchid fragrance. |
| Gui Hua Xiang | Gui Hua Xiang Dancong | Famous for its natural osmanthus aroma. |
| Yu Lan Xiang | Yu Lan Xiang Dancong | Produces a crisp, refreshing fragrance reminiscent of white magnolia blossoms. |
| Jiang Hua Xiang | Jiang Mu Xiang Dancong | Features a prominent ginger flower aroma that is intensely potent, earning it the nickname “Tong Tian Xiang” (Heaven-Reaching Fragrance). |
| Ye Lai Xiang | Ye Lai Xiang Dancong | Named for its natural tuberose floral fragrance. |
| Mo Li Xiang | Mo Li Hua Dancong | Exudes a natural jasmine flower fragrance when brewed. |
| Xing Ren Xiang | Ju Duo Zai | Named because the taste and aroma of the liquor closely resemble almonds. |
| Rou Gui Xiang | Rou Gui Xiang Dancong | The flavor profile of the tea liquor bears a resemblance to the traditional Chinese medicinal herb cinnamon. |
Why isn't Ya Shi Xiang among the top 10 aroma profiles?
Ya Shi Xiang skyrocketed in popularity as an aroma profile in 2018. Although it was already widely cultivated back in 1996, it had not yet been included in the official top 10 list.
Some believe that Ya Shi Xiang is the same as Da Wu Ye, but the two are not entirely identical. Da Wu Ye features large, dark green leaves and can be processed to create a variety of aroma profiles. There is also ongoing debate over whether Ya Shi Xiang is synonymous with Xing Ren Xiang (Almond Aroma). While Ya Shi Xiang certainly carries almond notes, it also encompasses a rich array of other floral notes, making its fragrance exceptionally complex.
Although the name “Ya Shi Xiang” (Duck Shit Fragrance) sounds rather unappealing, its aroma is actually quite captivating. There are two common tales behind how it got this name: one is that the tea trees grew in yellow soil that resembled duck droppings; the other is that the tea’s aroma was so intensely alluring that the grower gave it an ugly name on purpose to deter thieves.