Tea Information:
Leaf Type: Oolong
Where to Buy: Far Leaves Tea
Tea Description:
A classic Taiwan Oolong, grown high above lugu valley this summit tea has a soaring floral opening and a rich lasting finish.
Learn more about this tea here.
Taster’s Review:
Getting some of this Dong Ding Oolong from Far Leaves Tea to sample from my SororiTea Sister Anne was such a lovely surprise! Not only do I love a good oolong, but I have never had a tea from Far Leaves Tea, so this is a real treat!
I love the cute canisters the tea comes in and while I did not find anything regarding this on the website, yet, I am almost certain that the container is fully recyclable, that is if you do not choose to reuse it!
The dry leaf is typical for a green Dong Ding oolong and has a lovely light floral aroma. I am getting a bit of a white lilac aroma from the dry leaf.
Once steeped the liquor smells of vanilla, cane sugar, and lilac. The color of the liquor is golden yellow, or a very light amber tone.
The taste in the first steep is more toward the floral side with just a hint at nuttiness, not as buttery or creamy as some Dong Ding, but there is a slight vanilla undertone to the taste. If you swish the tea around in your mouth you will feel more of the creaminess and richness. The resulting aftertaste is floral.
The leaf holds up well to several steeps, at least four, with each steep releasing the flavor notes at different intensity levels.
The astringency in this tea is the perfect level for this type of tea.
I generally prefer a dark roasted oolong but this is quite lovely and the quality of this tea makes me want to explore more of Far Leaves options.
Dong Ding Oolong from Peony Tea S.
Tea Information:
Leaf Type: Oolong
Where to Buy: Peony Tea S.
Tea Description:
Dong Ding is one of the prime examples of all that is charming about Taiwanese oolongs- smooth texture and refreshing aftertaste often known as ‘hou yun’ or ‘harmony of the throat’. A sweetness that appears after the nutty, caramel like notes continues to delight.. A deep and deeply satisfying oolong.
Learn more about this tea here.
Taster’s Review:
Dong Ding is one of, if not my all time favorite tea. I can buy some not too far from my home (about 20 minutes each way) but it is very expensive as it is the only “local” tea house we have in my area.
The problem is that I absolutely love that Dong Ding, yet upon asking where they get their teas from I get their typical answer of “fron China”. (insert my laugh out loud). Not to knock our nice little local tea house but I am 99.9% sure they are not sourcing tea directly from a farmer in China. Its a typical answer given when someone does not want to give up their source, which I can respect not wanting to send your customer base elsewhere, but hey can we just say that instead? Okay rant over.
The reason I bring all of this up is because this Dong Ding from Peony Tea S. Is one I could easily substitute my regular beloved Dong Ding with.
A lovely nutty backdrop to floral and fruity notes that rest comfortably in a roasted caramel base.
I am not sure what it is I love about Dong Ding, it just reminds me of the woods, fallen leaves, trees…something about it makes me think I am part of Robin Hood’s Merry men, or ummm okay maybe a damsel in distress, but I would rather be that one girl in the group that shoots arrows and fights the good fight with the boys. Something about Dong Ding makes me reminiscent of going to the renaissance festival, which I try to do at least once a year if not more. There is something so down to earth about it, so soothing, centering. Yet it also appeases my sweet tooth with its fruity notes. It has a flavor of plums, or raisins, or maybe even fig at times. “Dark fruits” rather than berries, heavier, heartier fruits. The sweetness is similar to caramel or the topping on creme brulee, caramelized sugar.
What I do know, is that my explanation of Dong Ding does not do it justice. It is as much of an experience for me as a flavor. As I drink my cup and try to write a clear review I keep finding myself lost in my thoughts, on a journey.
Peony Tea S. provides an excellent tea here and I hope each of you will give it a try and go on your own journey.