Botanical Dossier
Mi Lan Xiang vs Ya Shi Xian
Mi Lan Xiang
Oolong Tea · China
Honeyed · Floral · Fruity
Ya Shi Xian
Oolong Tea · China
Floral · Honeyed · Mineral
| Attribute | Mi Lan Xiang | Ya Shi Xian |
|---|---|---|
| Type | Oolong Tea | Oolong Tea |
| Origin | China | China |
| Region | Guangdong (Fenghuang) | Guangdong (Fenghuang) |
| Flavor | Honeyed · Floral · Fruity | Floral · Honeyed · Mineral |
| Body | Medium | Medium |
| Caffeine | Medium (~30–50 mg) | Medium (~30–50 mg) |
| Oxidation | Medium | Medium |
| Roast | Medium | Medium |
| Brewing temp | 95–100°C | 95–100°C |
| Steep time | 1–2 min | 1–2 min |
| Re-steep | 3–6 times | 3–6 times |
Sensory Dissection
Flavor
Mi Lan Xiang
Mi Lan Xiang ('honey orchid') is the most famous Phoenix Dan Cong variety, prized for its pronounced natural honey and orchid aromatics. The twisted dark leaves brew a golden cup that is intensely fragrant up front — ripe apricot, wildflower honey — with a smooth, thick body and a clean mineral finish. A medium roast keeps the aromatics vivid while adding gentle toasted depth.
Ya Shi Xian
Ya Shi Xian — the famously named 'duck shit' oolong — is a Phoenix Dan Cong variety whose name was meant to discourage theft of its prized bushes. In the cup it is anything but rustic: intensely floral with natural orchid and almond blossom notes, a soft honeyed sweetness, and a clean mineral finish. The twisted leaves are heavily aromatic and reward short, repeated steeps.
Preparation Protocol
Brewing
Mi Lan Xiang
- Water temperature
- 95–100°C
- Leaf to water
- 3g / 250ml
- Steep time
- 1–2 min
- Re-steep
- 3–6 times
Ya Shi Xian
- Water temperature
- 95–100°C
- Leaf to water
- 3g / 250ml
- Steep time
- 1–2 min
- Re-steep
- 3–6 times
Biochemistry
Caffeine
Mi Lan Xiang
Medium caffeine — roughly 30–50 mg per brewed serving
A moderate, steady lift without an intense spike.
Ya Shi Xian
Medium caffeine — roughly 30–50 mg per brewed serving
A moderate, steady lift without an intense spike.
Craft & Microclimate
Origin
Mi Lan Xiang
China · Guangdong (Fenghuang)
Mi Lan Xiang grows on the slopes of Phoenix Mountain in Guangdong, often from old-growth tea trees.
Ya Shi Xian
China · Guangdong (Fenghuang)
The name Ya Shi Xian is traditionally explained as a ruse by a grower to hide the cultivar's value from neighbors.
Curator's Recommendation
Which one might you prefer?
There is no superior tea here — only distinct sensory journeys. Use your flavor memory and current mood to choose.
Choose Mi Lan Xiang if you like:
- Honeyed
- Floral
- Fruity
Choose Ya Shi Xian if you like:
- Floral
- Honeyed
- Mineral
Keep Exploring
Related teas to explore
Similar teas from both sides of this comparison.
