Tea Information:
Leaf Type: Oolong
Where to Buy: Imperial Tea Garden
Product Description:
In Taiwan, the making of oolong tea is regarded as an art form where the style and dedication of the grower is passed down through generations. Producing oolong tea involves highly specialized skills to control the withering, oxidation, and firing process. A slight varience in any of these variables can greatly affect aroma, flavor, color or finish. This tea is a long fired “amber style” tea which gives it a roasted character.
Taster’s Review:
I love Formosa Oolong. In fact, up until a few years ago, Formosa Oolong WAS Oolong as far as I was concerned. I really didn’t have much experience with any other type of Oolong. In the last couple of years, I’ve been more adventurous and discovered many different types of Oolong. However, Formosa Oolong remains a favorite of mine.
This Formosa Oolong from Imperial Tea Garden is quite delicious. The flavor is mildly sweet with a peach-like quality in the background. A very smooth tea that offers a very light mouthfeel – light, but silky! There is also a very light astringency.
But the flavor is anything but “light.” I am finding this to be very flavorful. A roasty undercurrent that melds with a sweet, honey-esque note. Beautiful!
Formosa Oolong is one of those Oolong teas that tastes great however you choose to serve it. I like it hot, but it is also one of my favorite iced teas too. It doesn’t need any sweetener because it does have a natural sweetness to it, but the flavors probably won’t be overwhelmed if you choose to add a little (don’t go overboard, though!) It’s great with a thin slice of citrus fruit or a chunk or two of candied ginger. Or enjoy it the way I am now: hot with nothing added.
Fabulous!
