Tea Information:
Leaf Type: Oolong
Where to Buy: The Tao of Tea
Product Description:
Grown at a 100% Organic tea garden within Wuyishan, a scenic area stretching along Fujian’s northernmost border with Jiangxi Province. It comprises 36 graceful rock peaks and a twisting, curving river called Nine Bend Creek.
Taster’s Review:
As many of you probably are aware, I’m quite fond of Oolong tea. Well, I guess I should qualify that by saying I am fond of most Oolong teas. Occasionally, I’ll come across one that I’m not crazy about, but for the most part, I typically adore Oolong.
Wuyi Oolong has taken me a bit longer to embrace than say, a greener Oolong. The strong, smoked quality of the Wuyi was, at first, somewhat off-putting to me. I have since come around and discovered the many wonderful nuances within a Wuyi, and have learned to appreciate Wuyi Oolong.
This is an excellent Wuyi. Smoky – yes. But there is so much more to it than just “smoky” and that is what I love about it. There is a beautiful caramelized undertone that is sweet with a hint of sour. The nutty flavors of this tea are enhanced by the smoky overtones, giving it a sort of fresh-roasted nut flavor. There is a hint of fruit flavor to this – plum perhaps? While there is such a lovely contrast of flavors, the transition between the flavors is remarkably smooth. There is no bitterness to the cup, and only a slight astringency at the tail.
This is a delicious Oolong. It has a very cozy feel to it – like a warm blanket in autumn, and because of that autumnal feel I prefer this one served hot. While it is delicious iced, some of the more subtle nuances are lost with the chilling process, so to enjoy this one at its fullest, I recommend drinking it while its hot.
