Volcano Oolong

Flagship Expression. Volcano Oolong is Chalu's flagship sparkling tea, built around oolong tea grown on the mineral-rich volcanic slopes of Tengchong. It belongs to Chalu's debut lineup of three sparkling teas alongside Snow Jasmine and Hibiscus Noir, an alcohol-free range crafted in the highlands of Yunnan, China.^[1]

Method. The oolong is pan-toasted post-harvest and then aged on charred Yunnan oak for depth, a technique Chalu borrows from winemaking and adapts for tea in place of using barrels. The approach is intended to impart soft tannins and wood tones and to deliver structure and a Champagne-like character while remaining entirely alcohol-free.^[2]

Appearance. Volcano Oolong pours a bright golden color with a train of bubbles.^[2]

Nose. The nose shows aromas of toasted oak, alpine grass, and roasted nuts.^[1]

Palate. The palate is toasty and dry with layers of alpine grass, nutty depth, and volcanic structure, described as a versatile pour with Champagne-like finesse and finish. It carries a layered, mineral character shaped by the volcanic terroir of Tengchong.^[2],[3]

Structure. Structural indicators stated for the beverage:^[2]

• Sweetness: 34.5 g/L sugar
• Body: structured, with volcanic structure
• Complexity: layered, mineral character
• Length: Champagne-like finish

Specifications. Volcano Oolong is an alcohol-free sparkling tea. Declared figures:^[2]

• Classification: alcohol-free sparkling tea
• ABV: 0%
• Sugar: 34.5 g/L
• Caffeine: 13.9 mg