The wet leaf has the most interesting smell.
So much so that I am having trouble being able to put a descriptor to it.
Perhaps its hints of eucalyptus in mahogany sawdust in a mixture of compost and wet leaves.
It’s such a complex aroma! Somewhat medicinal as well but not in a bad way. A silky mouth feel and dark, clear amber in color.
Quite an earthy tea. The aroma carries over into the after taste but the first time the liquid hits your tongue a full force of earthy flavors assault you.
I’m not really sure I would say it’s minty like their website describes but it does have that slight mouth clean sensation that mint gives you.
Here’s the scoop!
Leaf Type: Black
Where to Buy: Fong Mong Tea
Description
Organic Hong Yu Hong Cha, Sun Moon Lake black tea (well-known as Ruby #18) can be declared “Red Treasure“ in central Taiwan. A hybrid from a Burma Assam varietal (mother) and a Taiwanese wild camellia sinensis varietal (father), was researched for years by TRES developing as a unique new cultivar producing carmine and perfectly clear liquor with super high quality in the world. The tea trees are widely planted in Nantou County growing thick and rich tea leaves because of the fertile soil and moderate climate in central Taiwan. Its unique sweet malt aroma and strong cinnamon and mint taste, delicious with hints of fruit, and a little earthy make it truly unforgettable. Rich catechins enrich its character of black tea itself. It is also the best ingredient to make“bubble tea“ (the most famous Taiwanese tea drink on earth).
Learn even more about this tea and tea company here!
Thoughts from our Sister regarding Fong Mong’s Oolong-Tan Xiang
Hints of chocolate and roasted nuts entertain your nose when you first open the package containing the tea. Beautiful, tightly rolled leaves along with twigs make this an interesting tea.
This tea roasted over charcoals but does not contain heavy notes from this process. Some of the charcoal notes can be found in the aftertaste but otherwise I find some slight hints of very dark chocolate, chestnuts, and earth for longer infusions.
In shorter infusions it is sweeter with some honey notes. . . The wet leaves definitely retain the charcoal smell but not in a heavy obnoxious way.
If you aren’t familiar with Fong Mong Tea, we encourage you to check out their wide variety of teas and all of the amazing information they offer tea enthusiasts. Suffice it to say, we adore Fong Mong Tea Shop!
Here’s the scoop!
Leaf Type: Oolong
Where to Buy: Fong Mong Tea Shop
Description
Tan Xiang Wulong, the hand-plucked leaves of Dong Ding Oolong are grown in the Dong Ding region of Taiwan at the elevation of 740 meters. At this elevation, the leaves absorb moisture from the surrounding fog and clouds every morning and afternoon which is ideal for Oolong plants. Due to the unique geographic location and stringent selection of leaves, this is the finest Dong Ding Oolong from the Dong Ding estate.
Learn even more about this tea and tea company here!
Green Style Dong Ding (oolong) by Fong Mong Tea
Steeping specs: 3 grams per half cup at 175° for five minutes
While steeping this tea, I didn’t observe much color change. The leaves unfurled quite a bit, having started out as small pills or pearls, but the tea liquid didn’t seem to change color all that much. However, after I removed the tea leaves, I could see that there was a gentle peach color to the liquid. It’s very light and transparent, not dark or strong-looking at all. What is remarkable, though, is the lovely roasted smell (disproportionately strong given how light the color is) and the high-quality leaves; after the leaves unfurled I could tell that they were highly intact and well preserved. And I could smell the wonderful roasted oolong fragrance long before tasting the tea itself.
At the first sip I’m detecting plenty of roast, plenty of nose, and a flavor that’s almost heading towards bitter but just barely managing to avoid it. Of course, I did steep the leaves about five degrees hotter than recommended, because my variable temperature kettle only has so many increments, so that could have something to do with it.
This turned out to be a tasty, toasty oolong with a very enjoyable balance between buttery and nutty flavors and a somewhat astringent feel. The liquid is not viscous or dark but still has plenty of flavor. This tea is also great with just a touch of sugar, which tames down the astringent effect a bit and brings out the floral aspect that was a bit buried under the roasted flavor before the sugar was added.
Here’s the scoop!
Leaf Type: Oolong
Where to Buy: Fong Mong Tea
Description
The hand-plucked leaves of Dong Ding Oolong are grown in the Dong Ding region of Taiwan at the elevation of 740 meters. At this elevation, the leaves absorb moisture from the surrounding fog and clouds every morning and afternoon which is ideal for Oolong plants. Due to the unique geographic location and stringent selection of leaves, this is the finest Dong Ding Oolong from the Dong Ding estate.
Dong Ding is well known of producing fine tea-Dong Ding Oolong Tea. Traditional baking technique by artisans and proper fermentation and baking procedure create an unforgettable extremely perfect flavor. Firstly tasted mellow with strong fragrance and then a sweet aftertaste quickly rising from the throat makes it famous for decades to all over the world. Drinking Dong Ding Oolong Tea is definitely an enjoyable lifestyle and also the exclusive choice for all tea lovers
Learn even more about this tea and tea company here!
Alishan JinXuan Oolong Tea from Fong Mong Tea. . . . .
Descriptions for tea plantations are like works of art, describing misty cloud-covered mountains where finicky plants flourish. The words evoke vintage Chinese brush paintings where ascending mountains disappear into mist shrouds.
This tea has a delicate flavor, a little bit vegetal, a little bit flowery, a little bit creamy. Soft and gentle. If you want a kick-you-in-the-face morning brew, this isn’t it. But if you want a gentle sunny-day accompaniment (now THERE’s a hard word to spell) this could be your new go-to.
Why might that be? Let’s read:
“Jin-Xuan is a special variety of Camellia Sinesis (tea plant) developed through research at Taiwan Tea Agricultural Research Center. This special variety is known for producing an Oolong with a special fragrance and a very light creaminess.”
I love the idea of scientists in lab coats fiddling around with tea. I know they fiddle around with, for example, Doritos, but the idea of them getting all science-y about that perfect sip is a delight. We, as humans, are going to conquer nature, dammit. Including tea.
You did a lovely job with this, Taiwanese tea nerds. “Lovely” is, I think, the most accurate term for this tea. It is a pleasant little delight, and I am keeping this sample.
I don’t keep all samples. I typically pass them along to friends or my Sisters.
But not this one. It’s mine until sipdown. All mine.
Here’s the scoop!
Leaf Type: Oolong
Where to Buy: Fong Mong Tea
Description
The hand-plucked leaves of Alishan Jin Xuan Oolong Tea are grown in the famous Ali Mountains (Alishan) in Taiwan. At the elevation of 1000 meters above, the mountainsides are covered with fog or clouds which are ideal for growing Oolong. With better drought tolerance, also higher yield, the price is usually lower than Alishan Oolong. Jin-Xuan is a special variety of Camellia Sinesis (tea plant) developed through research at Taiwan Tea Agricultural Research Center. This special variety is known for producing an Oolong with a special fragrance and a very light creaminess. Alishan Jin Xuan Oolong brings one of the great locations for growing Oolong tea together with one of the special Oolong varieties.
Learn even more about this tea and tea company here!
Fruity (Sijichun) Oolong Tea from Fong Mong Tea
Fruity (Sijichun) Oolong Tea from Fong Mong Tea is a really interesting oolong to pull a part flavor-wise. Sure their are fruity notes but at the beginning I could pick up very gentle and subtle charcoal hints as well. It’s crisp, clean, mouth-watering, thirst-quenching, sweet, even a bit floral, and delightful!
Fong Mong Tea has always been one of my top companies for various oolongs and this one didn’t disappoint. It’s incredible and I highly recommend it. This is nice hot or cold. Fruity (Sijichun) Oolong Tea from Fong Mong Tea holds up to multiple infusions well, too! Try it, share it, ponder this cup!
Here’s the scoop!
Leaf Type: Oolong Tea
Where to Buy: Fong Mong Tea
Tea Description:
Plucked from Taiwan peculiar Four Seasons Spring oolong tea leaves, in addition to stringent management of planting, Taiwan fruity oolong tea (Sijichun) was handcrafted to refine into circumspect & traditional oolong tea. This Four Seasons Spring oolong was strictly selected as a higher grade oolong tea, possesses particularly pure and strong fresh flower fragrance plus smooth taste which you, tea lovers, won’t miss it out.
Learn even more about this tea here.
