Tea Information:
Leaf Type: Oolong
Where to Buy: thepuriTea
Product Description:
Our Ali Shan Oolong hails from the famed Ali Shan (a.k.a. “Alishan” or “Ali Mountain”) of Taiwan. It is a high elevation Taiwanese oolong with all the floral, sweet flavors you’d expect of one. Dry and wet, the large leaves emit aromas of clover honey, field grasses and fresh flowers. Ali Shan’s complex flavor profile includes classic floral, honeyed and creamy notes, as well as hints of marine air, clover fields, sage and cracked black pepper. A honeyed finish with suggestions of pepper, menthol and sweet grass and a creamy, sweet second infusion make Ali Shan a tea that can be enjoyed for a long period of time. Try brewing it gong fu style with a leisurely breakfast of sliced green pears, chopped fresh mint and Greek yogurt, or with a dinner of creamy sage-asparagus risotto.
Taster’s Review:
Ali Shan Oolong is my favorite type of Oolong tea – I love it so much that I even bought a Yixing tea mug that is used exclusively for when I drink Ali Shan Oolong.
This Ali Shan Oolong from thepuriTea is exquisite. It smells like honey! I can also smell the fresh grass and floral notes that are mentioned in the above description.
The flavor is sublime. It has a honey-esque sweetness to it that is present throughout the sip and lingers into the aftertaste. I taste a fresh vegetal note, as well as a hint of flower. There is a spiced undertone and a buttery overtone.
I recommend steeping this Oolong in a gaiwan, starting with a 30 – 45 second steep and increasing the time gradually with each subsequent steep. What is in my Yixing mug right now is the first four infusions combined. And the leaves are ready and willing to submit even more tea!
This Ali Shan is a must try for Oolong enthusiasts!
