A Tea Name That Makes Everyone Stop
Some tea names immediately create curiosity.
Duck Shit Oolong is probably one of the most surprising names you will ever see in the world of tea.
Before trying it, many people have the same reaction:
“Is this really a tea?”
The answer is yes.
Despite its unusual name, Duck Shit Oolong is a highly respected Chinese tea known for its beautiful floral aroma, smooth texture, and long-lasting sweetness. In Chinese, it is called Ya Shi Xiang (鸭屎香) and belongs to the famous Phoenix Dancong oolong family from Guangdong, China.
The funny name is only a small part of the story.
The real reason tea lovers seek out this tea is what happens after the first pour: a powerful fragrance, a rich mouthfeel, and a flavor that feels completely different from what the name suggests.
What Is Duck Shit Oolong?
Duck Shit Oolong is a variety of Phoenix Dancong tea from Phoenix Mountain in Chaozhou, Guangdong Province.
The word Dancong (单丛) means “single bush.” Traditionally, Phoenix Dancong teas were made from individual tea trees, and each tree could develop its own unique aroma and personality.
Because of this, Dancong teas are often named after their natural fragrance.
For example:
- Mi Lan Xiang (Honey Orchid) has a sweet floral aroma
- Zhi Lan Xiang (Gardenia) has a fresh flower-like fragrance
- Ya Shi Xiang (Duck Shit Oolong) has a distinctive floral and fruity character
Although the English name sounds strange, this tea follows the same careful craftsmanship as other premium Chinese oolongs.
The leaves go through several traditional steps:
- Withering to reduce moisture
- Gentle bruising to encourage oxidation
- Roasting to develop aroma and depth
The result is a dark, twisted leaf that produces a golden amber tea with a strong fragrance.
Why Is It Called Duck Shit Oolong?
The name is unusual, but the reason behind it is actually part of the tea’s charm.
There are several stories about its origin.
The most popular legend comes from Phoenix Mountain.
According to local stories, a tea farmer discovered a special tea tree with an exceptional aroma. The tea was so impressive that he worried other farmers would copy the tree or take cuttings from it.
So he gave the tea an unattractive name.
By calling it “Duck Shit Oolong,” he hoped people would ignore it.
Instead, the opposite happened.
Once tea drinkers discovered how good it actually tasted, the strange name became unforgettable.
Another explanation suggests that the name may have come from the appearance of the soil around the tea trees.
Regardless of which story is true, one thing is clear:
The name attracts attention, but the flavor creates its reputation.
Today, Ya Shi Xiang has become one of the most recognizable Phoenix Dancong teas in the world.
What Does Duck Shit Oolong Taste Like?
The biggest surprise about Duck Shit Oolong is that its flavor is completely different from its name.
There is nothing unpleasant about it.
A well-made Ya Shi Xiang is known for:
- orchid-like floral notes
- honey sweetness
- soft fruit aromas
- creamy texture
- mineral depth
- a long, sweet finish
The aroma appears immediately when hot water touches the leaves.
Many drinkers describe the fragrance as walking through a garden in spring — floral, fresh, and slightly sweet.
The first sip feels smooth and expressive.
Unlike some green teas that can taste sharp or grassy, Duck Shit Oolong has more depth. The texture is fuller, and the sweetness stays longer after swallowing.
This lingering sweetness is called hui gan (回甘) in Chinese tea culture.
It describes the pleasant sweetness that returns after the tea leaves your mouth.
For many tea drinkers, this is one of the most enjoyable parts of Phoenix Dancong.
Duck Shit Oolong Flavor Profile
| Character | Description |
|---|---|
| Aroma | Orchid, flowers, honey, fruit |
| Taste | Sweet, floral, smooth |
| Body | Medium-full with a creamy texture |
| Finish | Long-lasting sweetness |
| Roast | Light to medium |
| Overall Style | Fragrant, elegant, complex |
The best Duck Shit Oolong does not rely on heavy roasting.
Instead, the roasting supports the natural aroma of the tea leaf.
A high-quality Ya Shi Xiang should feel balanced:
- fragrant but not artificial
- rich but not heavy
- complex but still approachable
That balance is what makes this tea so fascinating.
Duck Shit Oolong vs Honey Orchid Dancong
Both Duck Shit Oolong and Honey Orchid Dancong are famous members of the Phoenix Dancong family.
However, their personalities are different.
| Duck Shit Oolong | Honey Orchid | |
|---|---|---|
| Chinese Name | Ya Shi Xiang | Mi Lan Xiang |
| Aroma | Floral, mineral, layered | Sweet, honey-like |
| Style | More complex and distinctive | Softer and easier |
| Beginner Friendly | Good | Excellent |
Honey Orchid is often the first Phoenix Dancong many beginners try because its sweetness feels familiar.
Duck Shit Oolong is slightly more adventurous.
It has stronger personality, more layers, and a fragrance that changes through multiple infusions.
If you enjoy floral teas and want something memorable, Ya Shi Xiang is worth exploring.
How To Brew Duck Shit Oolong Tea
Duck Shit Oolong is best brewed with the Gongfu tea method, which uses a small gaiwan or teapot and multiple short infusions.
Unlike many Western-style teas that are brewed once in a large cup, Phoenix Dancong is designed to reveal different layers over several rounds.
The first infusion highlights fragrance.
Later infusions reveal sweetness, texture, and depth.
That changing character is one of the reasons experienced tea drinkers enjoy this style of oolong.
Recommended Brewing Guide
Tea amount: 5–7 grams
Water temperature: 95–100°C (203–212°F)
Tea vessel: 100–120ml gaiwan or small teapot
First infusion: 10–15 seconds
Number of infusions: Around 6–10 times
Step 1: Warm Your Teaware
Start by rinsing your gaiwan or teapot with hot water.
This simple step helps keep the brewing temperature stable. It also gently warms the vessel, allowing the dry leaves to release their aroma more effectively.
Step 2: Add The Tea Leaves
Place 5–7 grams of Duck Shit Oolong into your brewing vessel.
The twisted leaves may look like a lot at first. However, Phoenix Dancong leaves expand significantly after absorbing water.
As they open, you will notice the shape and quality of the leaves more clearly.
Whole, flexible leaves are usually a good sign of careful processing.
Step 3: Use Hot Water
Duck Shit Oolong is not like delicate green teas.
For Longjing, lower temperatures help protect the fresh, sweet character.
For Phoenix Dancong, hotter water is usually better.
Water between 95°C and 100°C helps bring out:
- floral aroma
- natural sweetness
- mineral notes
- deeper tea character
Using cooler water may make the tea taste quieter and less expressive.
Step 4: Keep The First Steeps Short
The first infusion only needs around 10–15 seconds.
After steeping, pour the tea completely into your cup.
Do not leave the leaves sitting in water between infusions. This can extract too many bitter compounds and affect later cups.
As you continue brewing, gradually increase the steeping time.
A typical progression:
First few infusions
Bright floral aroma, fresh fragrance, lively character.
Middle infusions
Sweeter taste, smoother texture, stronger body.
Later infusions
Softer flavors, gentle sweetness, lingering aftertaste.
A good Duck Shit Oolong does not disappear quickly. It slowly changes.
Is Duck Shit Oolong Good For Beginners?
Yes, especially for people who enjoy aromatic teas.
Although the name sounds unusual, the tea itself is actually quite approachable.
Duck Shit Oolong is a good choice if you enjoy:
- floral flavors
- fragrant drinks
- complex aromas
- teas with a strong personality
People who already like jasmine tea, floral white teas, or Earl Grey often enjoy Ya Shi Xiang because the fragrance feels familiar.
However, it may not be the best first tea for everyone.
Some beginners prefer softer and simpler flavors.
For example:
- Longjing offers a smooth, nutty green tea experience.
- Honey Orchid Dancong provides a sweeter and gentler introduction.
- Tie Guan Yin gives a lighter floral style.
Duck Shit Oolong is slightly more expressive.
It does not quietly sit in the background.
It creates an experience.
That is exactly why many tea lovers remember their first cup.
How Much Does Duck Shit Oolong Cost?
The price of Duck Shit Oolong varies widely.
Several factors influence the cost:
- growing location
- harvest season
- tea tree age
- processing skill
- aroma quality
A general guide:
| Quality | Price (per 50g) | Suitable For |
|---|---|---|
| Everyday Quality | $20–$40 | Casual drinking |
| Good Daily Grade | $40–$80 | Regular tea sessions |
| Premium Quality | $100+ | Experienced tea drinkers |
For most people, the middle range offers the best balance.
A good daily Duck Shit Oolong should already show the qualities that make this tea famous:
- clear floral aroma
- smooth mouthfeel
- noticeable sweetness
- enjoyable aftertaste
Premium versions can be fascinating, especially from older trees or skilled producers.
However, a higher price does not always mean a better personal experience.
The best tea is the one that matches your taste.
How To Choose Good Duck Shit Oolong
Because the name is memorable, some sellers focus more on the story than the tea itself.
When buying Ya Shi Xiang, pay attention to the leaf quality and transparency of the seller.
1. Look For A Natural Aroma
The fragrance should feel like a tea aroma, not perfume.
Good Duck Shit Oolong often has:
- orchid notes
- honey sweetness
- fresh floral character
- subtle fruit aromas
Avoid teas with an artificial smell.
A strong aroma is good.
A fake aroma is not.
2. Check The Dry Leaves
Quality Phoenix Dancong usually has:
- long twisted leaves
- consistent shape
- dark green to brown appearance
After brewing, the leaves should open and look relatively complete.
Broken pieces and excessive powder may indicate lower processing quality.
3. Taste The Finish
The aftertaste is one of the most important parts of Duck Shit Oolong.
A good cup should feel:
- smooth
- sweet
- balanced
- refreshing
The flavor should continue after swallowing instead of disappearing immediately.
This lingering sweetness is one of the qualities that separates good Dancong from ordinary oolong.
Duck Shit Oolong Compared With Other Oolong Teas
Each oolong has its own personality.
| Tea | Flavor Style |
|---|---|
| Duck Shit Oolong | Floral, sweet, mineral, aromatic |
| Tie Guan Yin | Fresh floral, creamy, light |
| Da Hong Pao | Roasted, mineral, deeper |
| Milk Oolong | Soft, creamy, gentle |
| Oriental Beauty | Honey, fruity, naturally sweet |
Compared with Tie Guan Yin, Duck Shit Oolong feels deeper and more aromatic.
Compared with Da Hong Pao, it is lighter and focuses more on fragrance rather than roasting.
Compared with Milk Oolong, it offers a more natural floral character instead of a creamy dessert-like style.
This difference is what makes Phoenix Dancong unique.
It is not trying to taste like other oolongs.
It has its own identity.
Our Experience With Duck Shit Oolong At Tea Passage
The first thing people notice about Duck Shit Oolong is usually the name.
The second thing is the aroma.
Once the leaves meet hot water, the strange name quickly disappears from the conversation.
What remains is the tea itself.
The fragrance rises immediately — floral, sweet, and surprisingly elegant. The first sip feels smooth and layered, with a balance between sweetness and depth.
What we enjoy most about Ya Shi Xiang is its personality.
Some teas are easy to understand immediately.
This one invites curiosity.
Each infusion reveals something slightly different: more flowers, more sweetness, more texture.
That sense of discovery is part of the experience.
At Tea Passage, we appreciate Duck Shit Oolong because it represents something special about Chinese tea culture.
Behind every unusual name, there is often a deeper story.
And behind this unusual name is a genuinely beautiful tea.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Duck Shit Oolong?
Duck Shit Oolong, also called Ya Shi Xiang, is a famous Phoenix Dancong oolong tea from Guangdong, China. It is known for its floral aroma, smooth texture, and sweet finish.
Why is Duck Shit Oolong called that?
The name comes from local stories in Phoenix Mountain. One popular legend says a farmer used the unusual name to protect a special tea tree.
Does Duck Shit Oolong taste bad?
No. The flavor is completely different from the name. It tastes floral, sweet, smooth, and aromatic.
What does Duck Shit Oolong taste like?
It has notes of orchid, honey, flowers, and fruit, with a creamy texture and a long-lasting sweet aftertaste.
Is Duck Shit Oolong a Phoenix Dancong tea?
Yes. Ya Shi Xiang is one of the most famous varieties within the Phoenix Dancong family.
How do you brew Duck Shit Oolong?
Use 5–7 grams of tea with water around 95–100°C. Brew with a gaiwan or small teapot using short infusions starting around 10–15 seconds.
Is Duck Shit Oolong good for beginners?
Yes. It is especially suitable for people who enjoy floral and aromatic teas. Beginners who like distinctive flavors often enjoy it.
How much does Duck Shit Oolong cost?
Prices range from around $20 per 50g for everyday tea to over $100 per 50g for premium versions. A good daily-quality tea usually offers the best value.
Duck Shit Oolong is a reminder that a tea’s name rarely tells the whole story.
Behind the unusual name is a refined Phoenix Dancong tea with a beautiful aroma, smooth texture, and a tradition worth discovering.
At Tea Passage, we choose teas not only for their reputation, but for the experience they create in the cup.
