Jasmine Oolong Tea from Tea Ave.

Tea Information:

Leaf Type:  Oolong

Where to Buy: Tea Avenue (to be opening soon!)

Tea Description:

Jasmine Oolong is a flower tea with an inviting floral scent and a clean, strong taste.  The flavor of jasmine blossoms overlaying earthy Oolong undertones.

Taster’s Review:

So, this review is a little bit unusual because the company – Tea Avenue – hasn’t yet opened it’s online store.  (They should be opening soon!)

A few months ago, I was approached by Tea Ave. about reviewing some of their Oolong teas on our blog.  When the package arrived a couple of days ago, I was astonished by it!  Tucked inside the large box that DHL delivered was this cool tote bag – this is the size that you’d use to tote your groceries home so this bag will be reassigned to grocery duty!

Inside the bag were three sample size pouches of tea:  Alishan Jin Xuan Oolong (a favorite of mine!), Magnolia Oolong (yay!) and this Jasmine Oolong!

Also inside the bag was an introductory letter and a gift card for $15 off the next purchase of $75 dollars or more … and a beautiful, white pearlescent box that opened to reveal a gorgeous aroma cup set with tray!  Wow!

I felt like I won a prize or something!

And because they sent me not one but TWO of these marvelous introductory gifts, I have an extra one to share with one of my lucky readers!  Keep reading for details on how to win!

But in the meantime, let me tell you about this tea!

Jasmine Oolong!  I’ve tried a few Jasmine Oolong teas in the past, and I’ve enjoyed most of those that I’ve tried.  To brew this, I grabbed my gaiwan.  Following a quick 15 second rinse, I steeped the first infusion for 1 minute in water heated to 175°F.  I added 15 seconds onto each subsequent infusion.

My first cup (the combination of infusions 1 and 2) was absolutely delightful to sip.  The flavor is distinctly jasmine, but I love that it isn’t at all perfume-y.  Floral – yes, and quite floral at that.  There is a perfect balance between creamy notes from the Ali Shan Oolong and the sweet floral notes from the Jasmine.

My second cup (the combination of infusions 3 and 4) is stronger in flavor than the first cup was, but there is still a really pleasing balance between the flavor of jasmine and the creamy notes of the AliShan Oolong.  The cup is more floral this time:  the jasmine notes are mingling with the natural floral notes of the Oolong tea, and the AliShan is delightfully creamy and smooth.  The flavors aren’t bitter or sharp.  Just smooth and relaxing and oh-so-delightful.

This seems to be about as perfect as it can get:  my favorite Oolong tea combined with my favorite floral for a tea – jasmine!  It’s such a remarkable tea!

My third cup (infusions 5 and 6) is a little less balanced versus cups one and two.  I still get a pleasant jasmine note and a lovely flavor from the Oolong, but these flavors have become more mellow.  It’s a smoother cup – more creamy while the jasmine is a little less focused.  Still wonderful though – so I highly recommend going for that third cup!

PLEASE NOTE:  THIS CONTEST IS OVER AND A WINNER HAS BEEN SELECTED.  THANK YOU FOR VISITING OUR BLOG AND PLEASE KEEP CHECKING BACK.  WE DO FREQUENT GIVEAWAYS!

Now, as promised, I’m going to offer my second ‘gift set’ from Tea Ave. to one of my readers!  

This contest will run from today (February 15th) through  Saturday, February 21st.  On February 22, I will select a winner by random draw using Random.org.  

The gift set includes:  three samples of Oolong teas from Tea Avenue, along with a gift card for $15 dollars off your next purchase form Tea Ave., a gift boxed porcelain aroma set with oak tray and a durable tote bag suitable for reuse (as a grocery bag, a book bag, or whatever you want to use it for!)

To enter for your chance to win, you just need to comment below.  Be sure to include a way to get in touch with you if you’re the lucky winner!  If I’m unable to contact the winner within three days, I will need to conduct another random draw.

Want extra entries?  Of course!  Who doesn’t?  Here are a few easy peasy ways to earn extra entries:

1. To earn another entry, follow Tea Avenue and SororiTea Sisters on twitter.
2. Like Tea Avenue and SororiTea Sisters on Facebook.
3. Tweet this contest – and be sure to link it – on Twitter.  After you’ve done this, be sure to send us a link to the tweet so that we can check it out!
4. Mention this contest on Facebook – and be sure to link it!  After you’ve done this, be sure to send us a link to check it out!

That’s it … four simple ways to earn four extra entries to win this amazing gift set!