Leaf Type: Oolong
Where to Buy: T-Oolong Tea
Tea Description:
Our Alishan Shi Zhao Oolong tea is handpicked and handcrafted. The tea is produced from Qingxin Oolong varietal (the most-loved Oolong tea varietal) grown in the mountain areas of Ari Mountain, frequently covered with fog or clouds. The brewed Alishan Shi Zhao oolong tea has a floral aroma and taste, a long-lasting flavor and a sweet and pleasant aftertaste. It is very smooth and delectable with almost no bitterness.
Learn more about this tea here.
Taster’s Review:
Alishan! Alishan! Alishan!
When I first started drinking Oolong tea, I tried Formosa Oolong, and I loved it. I was very new to tea back then (although I probably didn’t think I was), and I had no idea that there were other Oolong teas. I thought Oolong tea = Formosa Oolong, and that’s it.
A few years later, I experienced my first “green” Oolong, and I was astonished! It was so different from the Oolong I was used to. And I liked what I tasted, but still, my heart remained true to my beloved Formosa Oolong.
Another year or so later, I tried my first Alishan Oolong. It was love at first sip! Since that time, I’ve tried many Alishan Oolong teas, and I am still so amazed at how different two Alishan teas can taste from one another… not to mention how different an Alishan tastes from a Formosa Oolong. This is one reason why I adore Oolong … it’s always an adventure.
And while Formosa Oolong teas still hold a special place in my heart, I must say that my favorite Oolong tea is Alishan. I even have my own Yixing Mug that’s dedicated just to Alishan Oolong.
This Alishan is phenomenal. So smooth, sweet and delicious! Very floral, but also with a fruitier background than I usually associate with Alishan. The floral tones here are not sharp or pungent, they are quite smooth … almost creamy! There is a pleasing honey-like tone to the flavor, and it has a thick, luscious mouthfeel.
This Alishan takes my breath away, it’s so good! I love it!
I do love teas… I use it to steam rice, and occasionally I freeze my tea in ice cube trays. 🙂