In the world of fine teas, names often evoke poetry and elegance: Iron Goddess of Mercy, Dragon Well, Silver Needle. And then there is Duck-Choosen Fragrance. It’s a name that stops you in your tracks. This guide tells the fascinating oolong tea story behind one of the most strangely named, yet most beautiful, oolongs in the world: Ya Shi Xiang, a legendary Phoenix Dancong Oolong.
Why is it Called Duck-Choosen Oolong? Unraveling the Legend
Let’s address the elephant in the room. Why is it called Duck-Choosen tea? The name is certainly… memorable. Rest assured, it has nothing to do with ducks or their droppings. The truth is a charming tale of a clever farmer, a priceless treasure, and a brilliant, if a bit crude, marketing trick. This is the legend of Ya Shi Xiang.
The Legend of the Farmer and His Secret Tea Garden
The story of this Phoenix Oolong begins, as all great tea stories do, on a mountain.
A Discovery in the Phoenix Mountains
Centuries ago, a tea farmer in the Phoenix Mountains of Guangdong discovered a unique tea tree. The tea it produced was unlike anything else—it had an incredibly intense and beautiful floral aroma. He knew immediately that he had found something special.
The “Yellow Soil” and a Clever Deception
The farmer’s neighbors, noticing the exceptional quality of his tea, constantly asked him what his secret was. Fearing they would steal cuttings from his precious tree, he devised a plan. The tea tree grew in a yellowish-brown soil. In the local dialect, this soil color looked a bit like the color of duck droppings. So, to throw them off, he told everyone the secret was the “duck poop soil,” and started calling the tea Ya Shi Xiang, which translates to “Duck Poop Aroma.”
How a “Bad” Name Protected a Great Treasure
His trick worked. The unappealing name discouraged his neighbors from investigating further, and his unique tea tree remained a secret. The name, bizarre as it was, stuck. It became a testament to a tea so good, the owner had to give it a terrible name just to keep it for himself. It’s one of the most famous strange tea names in history.
So, What Does Ya Shi Xiang Actually Taste Like?
Now for the most important part. What does this oolong actually taste like? The reality is a world away from its name.
Forget the Name: Think Flowers
The first thing you must do is completely forget the name when you taste it. The actual flavor profile of Duck-Choosen Fragrance is purely and intensely floral. It is one of the most aromatic teas in the entire Dancong family.
The Intense Aroma of Gardenia and Honeysuckle
The signature scent of Ya Shi Xiang is a powerful, heady aroma of white flowers. It is most often compared to blossoming gardenia or fresh honeysuckle. The fragrance is not subtle; it fills the room and lingers on the palate long after you’ve taken a sip.
A Creamy Texture and a Sweet, Lasting Finish
Beyond the honeysuckle aroma, the tea has a wonderfully thick, almost creamy texture that coats the mouth. The finish is incredibly smooth and leaves a lasting, sweet aftertaste with zero bitterness.
A New Name for a Great Tea: Yin Hua Xiang (Honeysuckle Aroma)
Because of the somewhat crude original name, many tea experts and vendors have sought a more elegant and descriptive name for this exquisite tea.
The Push for a More Elegant Name
In recent years, the tea community has begun to adopt a new name: Yin Hua Xiang (银花香), which translates to “Honeysuckle Aroma.” This name perfectly describes the tea’s actual fragrance profile and gives it the elegance it deserves.
Why You Might See It Labeled Differently
Don’t be confused if you see the same tea labeled as Ya Shi Xiang, Duck-Choosen Fragrance, or Yin Hua Xiang. They all refer to the same delicious, floral cultivar. We use Duck-Choosen Fragrance to honor its legendary and memorable story.
A Tea So Good, It Needed a Bad Name
The story of Ya Shi Xiang is a perfect reminder that we should never judge a tea by its name. It is a legendary Phoenix Dancong Oolong, whose bizarre name is the ultimate testament to its exceptional quality. It was a tea so incredibly good, its owner had to invent a bad name just to protect it.
Don’t let the name fool you. This is one of the most aromatic and beautiful oolongs in the world. Ready to taste the legend for yourself? .
FAQ: Your “Strange Name” Oolong Questions Answered
Are there other Dancong oolongs with strange names?
Yes! The Dancong world is full of descriptive and sometimes quirky names. You might find teas named “Chicken Coop Aroma” (Ji Long Xiang) or “Sawtooth” (Ju Duo Zai), each with its own unique story and flavor profile.
Is Ya Shi Xiang a type of Phoenix Dancong Oolong?
Yes, absolutely. It is one of the most famous and sought-after cultivars within the broad family of Phoenix Dancong Oolong teas from Guangdong province.
Does the name affect its price or quality?
No. The quality is determined by the raw material and the craftsmanship of the tea master. In fact, its infamous name has likely made it more famous and desirable among connoisseurs who are “in on the secret.”
Where can I buy authentic Ya Shi Xiang (Duck-Choosen Fragrance)?
You should always buy from a specialized oolong tea vendor who understands the different fragrance types. At , we source our Duck-Choosen Fragrance