As a chai, I expected strong cinnamon but didn’t know what to expect with a chai based around an oolong base. What I ended up with was a well-balanced blend which is a flavorful reminder of the fall.
When I opened this package, there was an immediate smell of cinnamon and chicory. I’m always waiting for fall to come back, not for the pumpkin spice, but because I’m waiting for the chicory to come back! The chicory and cinnamon balance in this cup is beautiful. My cup did have some flavor that settled to the bottom of the cup; so, if you’re not a speedy drinker, have a spoon ready to keep the tea mixed and the flavor evenly distributed. In addition to the cinnamon and chicory that I’m in love with, there are also hints of ginger and cardamom that blend to create the chai that anyone who enjoys Indian chai will recognize. These flavors are milder in the raja oolong when compared with an Indian chai, but this is a great compliment to those flavors.
Here’s the scoop!
Leaf Type: Oolong/Chai
Where to Buy: Adagio Teas
Description
A blend fit for royalty, this Indian inspired chai is a cinnamon lover’s dream. The rich complexity of oolong tea lays a smooth foundation for a majestic cup, packed with savory spice notes and hypnotic aroma. Elements of cinnamon, ginger, cardamom, chicory and cocoa nibs harmoniously blend together creating an exciting, yet truly satisfying chai that is sure to tickle your taste buds.
Learn even more about this tea and tea company here!
Pomegranate Oolong from Harney & Sons. . . .
The first word that comes to mind while drinking this tea is “zesty.” Pomegranate — aside from being a difficult word to spell — is a complex flavor. It’s sweet, but it’s also got that sassy tang. The oolong flavor — slightly vegetal, a little bit nature-y, but nothing horribly strong — makes it seem thoughtful. I’m getting a “literature” vibe from the oolong.
For some reason, this tea is reminding me of Elle Woods from Legally Blonde. At first, you’re getting all that sparkly, fruity zest. Then you sip further and you realize, hey, there’s a little bit of something “extra” here. Maybe this girl could, you know, go to Harvard Law and start winning cases. YOU NEVER KNOW.
This tea is delicious hot, but I don’t recommend it cold. The green gets a little weird. It’s a hot-tea. Don’t try to go off-book.
Of course, now that I’ve said that, you’re all going to try it cold. You’re going to try to paint me as a restrictive-rules monster. I’m not! I’m cool! Not as cool as Elle, but, you know, modestly cool.
Now, ladies, Bend. Snap. Brew. Enjoy.
Here’s the scoop!
Leaf Type: Oolong
Where to Buy: Harney and Sons
Description
Deliciously silky and full of complex flavors, our Pomegranate Oolong tea blends large Ti Quan Yin leaves—also known as Iron Goddess of Mercy—with the tangy, sparkling flavor of pomegranate. The result is a luscious and fruit-forward brew with a toasty aroma and ample flavors of bright pomegranate. Brew hot to enjoy its smooth, silky texture and sweet aroma at its finest.
Learn even more about this tea and tea company here!
Healthier Childhood Fave: Fruit Punch from The NecessiTeas. . . . .
Fruit Punch tea from The NecessiTeas totally smells like a juice I’d have had as a kid…. Not sure if I’m very into it now as an adult though, as there is an grape additive that isn’t quite doing it for me, but we know with teas, smells can be deceiving. There looks to be more oolong tea leaves than fruits/herbs, which is always a plus.
It brews into quite a beautiful golden pear liquor, I’m so so glad this does not include hibiscus’ neon magenta “punch” color, kudos to the maturity shown with this modernizing twist. Fruit Punch need not be just for children anymore 🙂
OoOoo it tastes very different than it smells! Actually there’s a really beautiful flavor transition through the different fruit flavors, a warm strawberry that becomes citrus. I love the playful complexity of this oolong choice. I want to personify it as similar to me, older and wiser but secretly musing on what shenanigans I can expect at the next high school reunion. I think the lemongrass brings some brightness and keeps it away from the saccharine extreme I expected from a “childish” seeming name… yeah, yeah, I’m judgy with names, moving along. There is a short and sweetish aftertaste, even before I added stevia. This blend is good for a resteep, and despite my first-whiff-misgivings, it’s really pretty enjoyable. Aptly deemed a necessary tea when catching up with a school days pal and feeling nostalgic.
Here’s the scoop!
Leaf Type: Oolong
Where to Buy: The Necessiteas
This blend brings back childhood memories of me at the pool with a red stained smile on my face. What is even better about this tea, you don’t have to have a red stained smile to be happy. Fruit punch is a spring and summer must have around here! If it’s a party, shower or barbecue, they just seem to go hand in hand. So obviously I had to create a punch inspired tea. If you’re anything like me and enjoyed that sweet red punch as a kid then you’ll love this refreshing combo of strawberry, cherry and orange.
Your tea is hand packaged in an airtight tin at no additional charge.
Learn even more about this tea and tea company here!
Long Life Oolong from DAVIDsTea. . .
I had to go to work early today, so I decided I needed a little afternoon pick-me-up. I’d bought Long Life Oolong on a whim to help a friend get to $50 (free shipping! we’re cheap!), plus, I’m a huge fan of its ingredients (oolong! nuts! fruits!).
This tea is… I daresay… a peach! It has peaches and apricots, which are like 99% of the experience.
I can taste the oolong a tiny bit (sort of a light flavor, verging on the black end of the oolong spectrum), but it’s in the background.
I’m not sure I can taste the almond slices or orange peel, but they’re not touted as major features. I might have also gotten a spoonful that didn’t happen to have those ingredients. Sometimes teas taste different cup-to-cup, which is sort of confusing and frustrating, especially for a reviewer who’s trying to give an honest overview.
I enjoyed this tea hot, but there’s a little sticker on the site’s image that says “try me iced!” I bet this would be a really great iced tea summer pick. Or, I guess, hot-day-in-fall pick. Or anytime-at-all pick if you live in the South. I prefer my tea iced when it’s hot out, but what does one do when it’s ALWAYS hot out? (When) do Southerners enjoy warm tea? They must, right? If you’re from the South, speak up on your hot-vs-cold preferences.
This blend tastes a bit like Happy Kombucha , also a David’s Tea oolong with fruit. I think if you have one, you might not need the other, but if you have neither, this could definitely fill a hole in your heart. Or stomach. Or any part, really. It’s yummy.
Here’s the scoop!
Leaf Type: Oolong
Where to Buy: DAVIDsTea
Description
A hydrating peach oolong with sweet apricots and crunchy almond slices.
Learn even more about this tea and tea company here!
Orange Dream from Tea Taxi. . . .
I don’t usually love orange teas but the smell of them are certainly mouthwatering regardless. This tea, TeaTaxi’s Orange Dream, is no exception. A simple mix of oolong, orange peel, and flavor, I steeped up my whole sample in 190F water for 3 minutes.
Maybe it’s the time of year. Maybe it’s changing tastebuds. Whatever it is, I am actually quite enjoying this tea today. The orange scent of the dry leaf carries over to the scent of the brewed tea which in turn carries through the taste of the tea itself. The oolong compliments the orange flavor by providing a solid base and a touch of floral and cream without being overbearing. Simple but lovely.
This tea is both rich and warming while also being bright from the orange. As neither an orange tea lover or an oolong lover, I’m surprisingly a fan and as such would recommend this to those who like these kinds of teas.
Here’s the scoop!
Leaf Type: Oolong
Where to Buy: Tea Taxi
Description
This is orange at its best! The tanginess of the fruit is perfectly balanced with the creaminess of oolong tea. A perfect brew after lunch or in the morning to kick start your day!
