Tea Information:
Leaf Type: Oolong
Where to Buy: Nature’s Tea Leaf
Tea Description:
Cinnamon Oolong Tea is an exclusive blend of select Oolong leaves with natural cinnamon bark. Cinnamon is a spice obtained from the inner bark of several trees native to the island of Sri Lanka and South East Asia that dates as far back as 2000 B.C. Normally used in sweet and savory cooking, cinnamon is lauded for its ability to aid in the reduction of blood sugar and cholesterol levels while boosting metabolism. Oolong is a medium level caffeinated green tea full of antioxidants and has a light floral aroma and long lasting finish. The combination of the sweet & spicy aromatic cinnamon with the mild floral Oolong makes for a delicious and refreshing drink that can be enjoyed both hot and chilled.
Learn more about this tea here.
Taster’s Review:
When I first saw this tea, I thought that Cinnamon and Oolong was a rather unlikely combination. But, somehow, this works.
The cinnamon is blended with the Oolong rather than flavored with it (that is to say, the leaves have not been flavored with cinnamon essence, and instead, have been blended with chips of cinnamon bark), and that provides for a pleasantly subtle cinnamon taste rather than a strong, overwhelming cinnamon flavor. I like that, because the Oolong is a somewhat softer flavor, especially in the early infusions, as I think that a strong burst of cinnamon would overwhelm the delicate flavors of the Oolong. As it is, there is a careful balance between flavors, and I’m finding it quite enjoyable.
The sip begins with a lovely Oolong flavor that is slightly creamy, and I notice mere hints of spice and earth from the cinnamon. The sip progresses smoothly to the finish, and the aftertaste is cinnamon-y … somewhat spicy, but there is also a gentle sweetness from the Oolong. It’s quite nice. This is a perfect autumn Oolong … the cinnamon gives the Oolong a warmth and a comforting taste that I don’t usually experience with a typical Tie Guan Yin.
In subsequent infusions, the Oolong flavor begins to define its floral attributes a bit more, and at first I was not sure if I liked the way the cinnamon and floral tastes came together, but, after a couple of sips, I found it to be an agreeable yet unique kind of taste. It is warm, gently spiced and exotically sweet.
Having tried a couple of different teas now from Nature’s Tea Leaf, I don’t know that this one is my favorite thus far, but, I certainly have enjoyed it. I find the balance between tea and cinnamon to be very appealing to the palate. This is a very uplifting tea!
