Tea Information:
Leaf Type: Oolong
About Tula Teas:
We are firm believers in the idea that the best teas come from small, family-owned tea gardens. This is not simply a matter of do-gooder wishful thinking, but a high level of firsthand experience with the incredible teas that result from the skilled hands of artisan tea growers and tea masters. The experience, expertise and tradition involved in producing these meticulously hand-processed high-elevation teas dazzle the mind and, more importantly, the senses.
Learn more about Tula Teas on their website.
Taster’s Review:
This is a really pleasant Charcoal Roasted Oolong. When I encounter a charcoal roasted tea, I always worry just a little bit that the flavor is going to have too much of a charcoal-y taste, which can overwhelm some of the delicate nuances of an Oolong.
But here, the charcoal flavor is well-pronounced without overpowering the delicate qualities of the Oolong. I taste a bit of charred wood in the aftertaste, but it doesn’t taste overwhelmingly charcoal-y. In addition, the roasted notes bring the nutty flavors forward, which seems to enhance the sweetness of the overall cup.
This Oolong tends to taste a little less floral and a little more fruity. I taste hints of melon and even a slight citrus-y tone to this cup. These fruit notes give this a juicy quality that is very refreshing and thirst-quenching, and offer a nice contrast to the savory vegetative tones and fresh, herbaceous notes of the cup.
A splendid Oolong. I see that this tea is not currently available on the Tula Teas’ Oolong collection, but, I hope they’ll get it back in stock soon. It’s a good one!
Fo Shou (Bergamot) Oolong Charcoal Roast from Life in Teacup
Tea Information:
Leaf Type: Oolong
Where to Buy: Life in Teacup
Tea Description:
The origin of Fo Shou tea cultivar is a mystery. Many people say it was obtained by engrafting tea tree with Fo Shou (bergamot) tree. The engrafting theory of Fo Shou oolong has never been proved. But the characteristics of this tea do remind a drinker of fragrance of Fo Shou fruits.
This product was made with traditional oxidation method and traditional light charcoal roast. Charcoal roast can induce richer flavor of a oolong. Today with greener style dominating the market, charcoal roast workers have mostly aged and retired. Real charcoal roast Fo Shou is very hard to find.
Learn more about this tea here.
Taster’s Review:
I was excited to try this Charcoal Roast Bergamot Oolong from Life in Teacup, as I had previously tried and quite enjoyed the Superior Grade bergamot Oolong and I wondered how it would differ. I have since learned that these teas are not actually scented with bergamot, but instead the tea leaves come from the Fo Shou trees and carry qualities that are reminiscent of bergamot.
That makes sense to me, especially having tasted the Superior Grade and now this Charcoal Roast. In both tastings, I notice that a significant bergamot flavor was lacking, more of a distant hint of bergamot essence rather than a more obvious flavor.
In the first few infusions, the charcoal flavor greets me at about mid sip, and it is quite pleasant. It isn’t a strong, overwhelming flavor but enough to bring a nutty character to the cup. Sweet with barely-there hints of smoke.
In later infusions, I found that the charcoal flavor emerged to become a more significant flavor. It brought a beautiful roasted flavor to the cup. Hints of wood-burning smoke in the distance. Nutty and sweet, with a delicious savory quality that arrives mid-cup. And yes, I can also taste those bergamot-like tones and they add just a touch of brightness to this cup.
A really lovely tea!
Wuyi Mountain Big Red Robe Tea from Verdant Tea
Tea Type:
Oolong
Where To Buy:
Verdant Tea
Product Description:
It took Verdant Tea 4 months of sampling to find a Big Red Robe unique and delicious enough to really justify importing. This incredible tea from the rocky cliffs of Wuyi mountain offers a side of Big Red Robe that most people have never seen. Usually all you get is caramel, chocolate and floral notes. This goes far beyond. In early steepings, there is an intriguing sensation on the tongue, almost like the metallic vibrations of a bronze cast bell, or the idea of fast moving water flowing over slate. As the tea opens up, there is a perfectly synthesized note of orange and elderberry that dominates, and lingers in the back of the throat. In middle steepings, the elderberry orange flavor splits into fruity wine grape notes, hibiscus-infused dark chocolate, and molasses cookies with crystalized Thai ginger. In late steepings, the thick beany and malty flavor of Laoshan green comes through, combined with the lilac sweetness of Tieguanyin. One of our favorite aspects of this tea is that it was expertly roasted in a way that lets so much complexity come through the caramel notes of any darker oolong. If you are interested in oolongs, or seek a very comforting yet engaging tea, give this a try for a new perspective.
Tasters Review:
When I see a tea with the word Mountain in the name it really makes me want to travel to the place of origin. I would LOVE to travel to far away lands to see, smell, and touch the leaves, the soil, before, during, and after. I guess in a way it’s much like a Fairy Tale of Tea…but this one is a dream come true!
I think this is another reason I am a fan of Verdant Teas overall! David is an amazing story-teller! I LOVE reading his descriptions. If you post comments about a Verdant Tea over at Steepster it’s common to see a thoughtful response from the man himself. I enjoy reading about the personal connections he has with the people he buys the tea from…the farmers themselves!
With Wuyi Mountain Big Red Robe from Verdant Tea you can tell he searched high and low for this quality of tea. He didn’t settle! I appreciate that. This truly is a lovely Oolong!
At first I could smell a bit of charcoal in the aroma of this tea. It made me wonder if that is what it was going to taste like – which would have been completely fine – as I do like a nice charcoal type tea – but this morphed. The taste actually morphs from start to finish, too! At first there was a woodsy/earthy type flavor but then it turned sweet! I could taste slight fruity notes as well as sugary notes, too! The fruity notes did change-up to a more defined berry-type taste for a few seconds. It left a pleasant roasted aftertaste, too!
This is special. It shows it – from start to finish – and then some! It’s more than a tea…it’s a journey!
