What's the difference among Song Zhong, Dongfanghong and Tongtianxiang?

[mushjoon]

Hi everyone,

I have a question about Phoenix Dancong.

So I know that there is this Dancong type called Song Zhong, which is the OG Phoenix Dancong that has been enjoyed by thousands since the Song Dynasty.

However, there's also Dongfanghong and Tongtianxiang that are also considered as super top-grade Dancong types.

What are the difference among Song Zhong, Dongfanghong and Tongtianxiang?

Are they basically a same tea with different nicknames or are they totally different types?

[Bok]

Not sure how many drinkers of high grade Dancong are around on this forum, seen how hard to get and expensive they are... maybe @OCTO can help you?

[Baisao]

I was told, contrary to legend, the usage of “Song” in Song Zhong is meant to be evocative rather than literal. This was from someone who’s family makes dancong but take it with a grain of salt. And iirc it was reserved for the oldest trees.

[pedant]

if you don't get any satisfying answers here, you could try contacting Imen:

https://teahabitat.com/pages/contact

[Bok]

I was told, contrary to legend, the usage of “Song” in Song Zhong is meant to be evocative rather than literal. This was from someone who’s family makes dancong but take it with a grain of salt. And iirc it was reserved for the oldest trees.

That makes sense. The oldest trees' harvest still in use are not really available to mere mortals as far as I know.

[Tyler]

In principle they refer to specific teas, in practice I don't know how closely the naming is always related to things like 'varietals' or famous trees

[Tyler]

Here is an old post from Imen's blog http://tea-obsession.blogspot.com/2008/ ... aming.html

[mushjoon]

OK I did some digging around the internet and it seems that tea farmers themselves can't decide on what tea should be called Songzhong, Dongfanghong and Tongtienxiang.

I also looked thru Dancong vendors on Taobao and it seems that each vendor also has their own system of categorizing the products into SZ, DFH and TTX.

For example, I thought SZ and DFH were the same type cuz I heard that SZ simply got the nickname "DFH" when Mao praised how great the tea was.

However, one Taobao vendor (with pretty good credibility) sells SZ higher than DFH which led me to a conclusion that I should simply order each type, try them and stick to the one that I like the most.

[Bok]

conclusion that I should simply order each type, try them and stick to the one that I like the most.

That is usually the best way – let the taste buds decide!

[Sunyata]

Hi everyone,

I have a question about Phoenix Dancong.

So I know that there is this Dancong type called Song Zhong, which is the OG Phoenix Dancong that has been enjoyed by thousands since the Song Dynasty.

However, there's also Dongfanghong and Tongtianxiang that are also considered as super top-grade Dancong types.

What are the difference among Song Zhong, Dongfanghong and Tongtianxiang?

Are they basically a same tea with different nicknames or are they totally different types?

Song Zhong is a term reserved for superior dancong, its a fruity variety with higher roast. Difficult to identify on its own, I would say the closest you can think of in taste is Zhi Lan Xiang or Gong Xiang. But low fragrance, more body, and usually its identified by being from a very very old tree.

Dongfanghong is another fragrance, not in the 10 famous fragrance but a personal favorite. It has both floral (white floral, lily) and deep woody fragrance, which makes it really interesting.

Tongtianxiang belongs to the same fragrance as Jiang Hua Xiang. Think of it as a top grade ginger flower fragrance.

Among the three (and the rest of dancong), Song Zhong is the most prized and regarded as it represents the closest to what the early Shuixian cultivar is before it gets cloned and branch off into your more aromatic fragrances (ie. mi lan xiang, ya shi xiang, etc.)

[Tee-Kompendium]

The differences among Song Zhong, Dongfanghong, and Tongtianxiang teas are quite distinct:

Song Zhong: This tea is renowned for its unique flavor profile, often featuring a complex mix of floral and fruity notes. It is highly prized for its depth and the intricate layers of taste it offers.

Dongfanghong: This variety is characterized by its robust and bold flavors. Dongfanghong tends to have a stronger, more intense taste, making it a favorite for those who enjoy a full-bodied tea experience.

Tongtianxiang: Known for its delicate and subtle taste, Tongtianxiang provides a refined and smooth flavor. It is ideal for those who prefer a milder, more gentle tea.

For more detailed information on these specific teas and to explore their unique characteristics further, I recommend visiting the tee-kompendium.de. They offer comprehensive insights and comparisons to help you better understand and choose the right tea for your preferences.

[Sunyata]

Hi everyone,

I have a question about Phoenix Dancong.

So I know that there is this Dancong type called Song Zhong, which is the OG Phoenix Dancong that has been enjoyed by thousands since the Song Dynasty.

However, there's also Dongfanghong and Tongtianxiang that are also considered as super top-grade Dancong types.

What are the difference among Song Zhong, Dongfanghong and Tongtianxiang?

Are they basically a same tea with different nicknames or are they totally different types?

Song Zhong is a term reserved for superior dancong, its a fruity variety with higher roast. Difficult to identify on its own, I would say the closest you can think of in taste is Zhi Lan Xiang or Gong Xiang. But low fragrance, more body, and usually its identified by being from a very very old tree.

Dongfanghong is another fragrance, not in the 10 famous fragrance but a personal favorite. It has both floral (white floral, lily) and deep woody fragrance, which makes it really interesting.

Tongtianxiang belongs to the same fragrance as Jiang Hua Xiang. Think of it as a top grade ginger flower fragrance.

Among the three (and the rest of dancong), Song Zhong is the most prized and regarded as it represents the closest to what the early Shuixian cultivar is before it gets cloned and branch off into your more aromatic fragrances (ie. mi lan xiang, ya shi xiang, etc.)

Ok, after speaking to a couple of dancong experts I realize I made a mistake - Song Zhong IS in fact a varietal (one of the oldest, in fact) in Wudong that is widely cultivated since the Song dynasty. The varietal has a particular character of its own, based on what I've tried its not an aromatic cultivar but more low/deep fruity with hints of spiciness like lemongrass. Yes, there are farmers who would pass off their oldest trees as "song zhong", but these are dubious and can easily be verified by scientific study. In fact, all of the subsequent popular varietals (from mi lan xiang to ye lai xiang to jiang hua xiang. etc) have their own leaf shape/structure - they aren't simply recognized by their own aroma/fragrance which often can be confusing. Tong tian xiang and Dong fang hong are also two very remarkable varietals (much more than the generic "classic 10" which aren't as impressive).

Correct me if I'm wrong but I believe there are 3 "OG" dancong cultivars - Song Zhong, Huang Zhi Xiang, Wen Zhong. HZX being the top of the best "aroma/fragrant" dancongs, while Wen Zhong being the top of the "minerally" dancongs. By top I mean these trees tend to be amongst the OLDEST and therefore have a much deeper tea energy which leaves a stronger Yun (umami sensation) and cha-qi (emotional feeling). Even when I compare older HZX to younger HZX, the older tree one is remarkably low on aromatics despite being a floral type dancong and more creamy in taste and texture. This creaminess is quite different and nothing to do with the roasting per se but the age of the tree.