Ya Shi Xiang (Duck Shit Aroma) vs Mao Xie
A detailed comparison of two oolong teas
Quick Verdict
Ya Shi Xiang (Duck Shit Aroma) is best for those who prefer gardenia flavors with a medium full body. Mao Xie suits those who enjoy floral notes and a light medium mouthfeel.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Attribute | Ya Shi Xiang (Duck Shit Aroma) | Mao Xie |
|---|---|---|
| Category | Oolong Tea | Oolong Tea |
| Region | Phoenix Mountain | Anxi County |
| Oxidation | 50% | 25% |
| Caffeine | Moderate | Moderate |
| Body | Medium Full | Light Medium |
| Primary Flavors | Gardenia, Almond, Sweet | Floral, Creamy, Brisk |
| Roast Level | Medium | None |
| Best Brewing | 95°C, 10s first steep | 95°C, 30s first steep |
| Re-steep Potential | 10 steeps | 7 steeps |
| Price Range | $30-$70/50g | $25-$60/50g |
Flavor Comparison
Ya Shi Xiang (Duck Shit Aroma)
Despite its crude name (chosen to deter thieves), this dancong offers beautiful gardenia and almond notes. One of the most popular dancong varieties.
Flavor Notes
Mao Xie
Anxi oolong known as Hairy Crab. Light, floral, and slightly creamy with a brisk finish.
Flavor Notes
Brewing Differences
Ya Shi Xiang (Duck Shit Aroma)
Gongfu: 8.0g per 100ml at 95°C, first steep 10s.
Mao Xie
Gongfu: 5.0g per 100ml at 95°C, first steep 30s.
Western: 2.0g per 100ml at 95°C, steep 3 minutes.
Region & Terroir
Phoenix Mountain
Ancient single-bush dancong oolongs. Unique varietal diversity.
What This Comparison Really Shows
Category & Origin Context
Both teas sit inside the oolong tea family, so the comparison is mainly about regional expression, cultivar, and leaf handling. Origin pulls them apart as well: Ya Shi Xiang (Duck Shit Aroma) comes from Phoenix Mountain, while Mao Xie comes from Anxi County. This matters because category tells you the processing logic, while region tells you the growing conditions behind aroma, body, and finish.
Tasting Difference
Flavor is the clearest split. Ya Shi Xiang (Duck Shit Aroma) emphasizes gardenia, almond, and sweet with a medium full body; Mao Xie leans toward floral, creamy, and brisk with a light medium body. If you are choosing for aroma, compare the dry leaf and the first rinse; if you are choosing for texture, judge the second and third infusions, where body and aftertaste usually become easier to read.
Brewing Implications
Brewing should not be identical by default. Ya Shi Xiang (Duck Shit Aroma) starts best around 95C, while Mao Xie starts around 95C. Keep the leaf ratio steady, then adjust water temperature and steep time; that makes the comparison fair without forcing one tea into another tea's brewing style.
Buying Decision
Choose Ya Shi Xiang (Duck Shit Aroma) when you want gardenia, almond, and sweet, moderate caffeine, and a medium full body. Choose Mao Xie when floral, creamy, and brisk, moderate caffeine, and a light medium body sound more useful. For buying, favor the tea whose origin and processing style match how you actually drink: daily cups reward reliability, while slower gongfu sessions reward aromatic complexity and re-steep performance.
Side-by-Side Tasting Method
In a side-by-side tasting, brew both teas with the same vessel size and similar leaf weight, then adjust only after the first two infusions. Track three things: which tea opens faster, which tea keeps its structure after several steeps, and which finish you still notice after the cup is empty. That tasting method usually reveals more than comparing dry descriptions or price alone.
Common Comparison Mistake
The common mistake is judging both teas by the same standard. Ya Shi Xiang (Duck Shit Aroma) should be evaluated as oolong tea from Phoenix Mountain; Mao Xie should be evaluated as oolong tea from Anxi County. A tea can be objectively well made yet still be the wrong choice for your preferred water temperature, session length, flavor intensity, or caffeine tolerance.
Which Tea Should You Choose?
Choose Ya Shi Xiang (Duck Shit Aroma) if you:
- Enjoy full-bodied, robust teas
- Love gardenia flavor notes
- Appreciate roasted character
- Learn more about Ya Shi Xiang (Duck Shit Aroma)
Choose Mao Xie if you:
- Prefer light, delicate teas
- Love floral flavor notes
- Learn more about Mao Xie