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Jin Xuan (Milk Oolong)

金萱, TTES #12, Nai Xiang

7.9/10 editor's score

A Taiwanese oolong cultivar from the early 1980s, known for a natural milky, creamy taste. Also grown in Thailand.

CreamyBeginner-friendlyTaiwan
↓ Jump to brew guideAbout this teaCompare

Based on published sources, not yet tasted.

Dry leaf of Jin Xuan (Milk Oolong), top-down

What you need

3 g leafJin Xuan (Milk Oolong)
250 ml water90 to 95°C
Steep 3:002 steeps
LiquorPale gold
Served inGaiwan and small cups

At a glance

A Taiwanese oolong cultivar from the early 1980s, known for a natural milky, creamy taste.

CaffeineMedium~25 to 45 mg, our estimate
Beginner fit9.5 / 10From the editor's score
HarvestSpring and winterMain picking.
Pairs withButter cookies, Fruit, Light cheeseLess good with spicy food
Grown atMid to high slopesAlishan, Chiayi, Chiayi County
Served inGaiwan and small cupsGongfu style, many short steeps

About Jin Xuan (Milk Oolong)

What sources say about the taste

Sources describe Jin Xuan as light, creamy and floral, with a natural milky character 1.

01 · Aroma

First sip

Lift the cup and smell before you drink.

02 · Taste

Middle

Let it sit on the tongue for a moment.

03 · Finish

Finish

What stays after you swallow.

Hover or tap a noteBigger image and more dots mean a stronger note.

Notes and intensities are an editor's summary of published tasting notes, not our own tasting.

Where it grows

Alishan, ChiayiChiayi CountyTAIWAN
Cultivar
Jin Xuan, TTES #12 1
Developed
Taiwan, early 1980s 1
Character
Natural milky, creamy flavour 1
Also grown
Thailand 1

More from Alishan, Chiayi and Taiwan.

History and culture

Jin Xuan was developed in Taiwan in the early 1980s and named "Golden Daylily" 1.

Editor's score

7.9/10

Weighted across six criteria: flavour 30%, heritage 20%, availability 15%, value 15%, beginners 10%, versatility 10%.

Based on published sources, not yet tasted. Rates the tea style, not a brand. How we score →

1086Flavour & complexity: 7.5Origin & heritage: 7.0Availability: 8.5Value: 8.5Beginner-friendliness: 9.5Versatility: 7.5Flavour 7.5Heritage 7.0Availability 8.5Value 8.5Beginners 9.5Versatility 7.5
Taste profile and caffeine

Profile is an editor's summary of published tasting notes, not a lab measurement or our own tasting.

Caffeine

Brewed coffee~95 mg
Black tea (average)~47 mg
Jin Xuan (Milk Oolong)~25 to 45 mg
Green tea (average)~28 mg

Our estimate. Per 8 fl oz (240 ml) cup. Coffee and tea averages from Mayo ClinicC.

Harvest calendar

Picked in spring and winter. Tap a month or a season.

Cultivars and plant

The Jin Xuan cultivar of Camellia sinensis 1.

How it is made
01Plucking

By hand or machine.

02Withering

Indoors and out.

03Oxidation

Light.

04Rolling

Rolled into balls.

05Drying

Light finish.

Dry leaf and liquor
Dry leafTight, light green balls.
LiquorPale gold.
After steeping
Wet leafSoft, green leaves.

The colour swatch is an approximate guide, not a photograph.

Food pairings and storage

Works well

  • Butter cookies
  • Fruit
  • Light cheese

Best avoided

  • Spicy food

Pairings are general suggestions from the tea's style, not tested matches.

Storage

  • Airtight, opaque tin or pouch, away from light, heat, moisture and strong smells.
  • Keep it out of the fridge unless fully sealed, to avoid condensation.
  • Most loose tea is at its best within a year. Note the harvest date on the tin.
Grades and fakes

Natural and flavoured versions exist 1.

How to spot a poor or fake one

  1. The milky taste should be natural; cheap versions may add flavouring 1.
  2. Good sellers say which it is 1.
FAQ
Is there milk in milk oolong?

No. The creamy taste comes from the cultivar, though some brands add flavouring 1.

Find it inOolong teasTeas from TaiwanAlishan, ChiayiCreamyBeginner-friendlyTaiwan

Sources

  1. Wikipedia, "Jin Xuan tea". en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jin_Xuan_tea
  2. Mayo Clinic, "Caffeine content for coffee, tea, soda and more". www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/nutrition-and-healthy-eating/in-depth/caffeine/art-20049372

Scores and content updated 30 Oct 2026.