An exploration follows the travels of Jinxuan, a highly-regarded tea cultivar originating in Taiwan, and its evolving identity across borders. The study examines how the tea acquires new names and sensory profiles as it moves through diverse agricultural and cultural landscapes. Researchers combined fieldwork and historical analysis to reveal the complex circulation of Jinxuan. This circulation involves agricultural science, market forces, linguistic translation, and evolving consumer tastes. The research highlights tea not merely as a product, but as a dynamic ‘living assemblage’. Ultimately, the study reveals how Jinxuan’s story embodies the interconnectedness of plants, people, technology, and global cultural exchange.