Tea Information:
Leaf Type: Oolong
Where to Buy: thepuriTea
Product Description:
Originally developed to mimic the fruity notes of Darjeeling Second Flush, Oriental Beauty has since become a tea that stands tall on its own merit. Also known as Eastern Beauty, Bai Hao Oolong and White-Tipped Oolong, Oriental Beauty is a dark oxidation oolong with wiry leaves and the occasional fuzzy tea bud. Woodsy, spicy dry aromas evolve into an enchantingly sweet copper-colored brew. Aromas of fruit, flowers, spice and wood carry through into the smooth, round, full flavor, which features notes of rose, plum and cedar. The aftertaste is accented with flavors of rosewater and cardamom, making it a great choice for pairing with Indian or Moroccan dishes. It’s also delicious on its own or paired with white chocolate and hazelnut truffles or cedar plank grilled kabobs of sweet potato and lamb.
Taster’s Review:
Reading the description of this tea as I sip it, I must say that the description is pretty spot-on. The aroma of the liquor is pleasantly spiced with deep wood tones. The flavor is sweet with distinctive wood-like notes and hints of flower and fruit. I can even taste the rose water and cardamom aftertaste.
As the seasons slowly begin to change from the heat of the summer to the cooler air of autumn, this tea seems to reflect this time of year. The lightly spiced taste reminds me of the warm flavors of fall, and the crisp floral notes and sweet fruit notes remind me of the beauty of summer as its final moments come to a close.
The sip begins with a wash of flavors that is sweet and warm. Toward mid-sip, I taste a just slightly sour note that accents the sweetness of this tea. Sweet flavors of roasted peach. A floral note and even a slight nutty flavor in the distance. Only a very faint astringency that I can detect, and only when I’m really focusing on it. A casual sip would miss it completely. No bitterness. Just sweet, warm comfort – Oriental Beauty style!
