Tea Information:
Leaf Type: Oolong
Where to Buy: East Pacific Tea Co.
Company Description:
Delicious Formosan from the Taiwanese County of Nantao. This tea is tender on the taste buds with a slight scent of citrus on the nose. By speeding up the metabolism, this oolong tea is a great addition to any diet.
Taster’s Review:
My adoration of Oolong has been well documented by now with all the praises I sing of it here and elsewhere. This tea is the perfect illustration of why I love Oolong so much.
The tiny green pellets are tightly rolled, and they are slow to open – bringing me many infusions of joy from just one measurement of leaves. The aroma that they release is slightly citrus and slightly vegetal, a bit like the scent you might experience after squeezing a bit of orange or lemon over asparagus.
This fragrance translates very softly into the flavor – there is a definite citrus-y note to the flavor, however it is not so distinctive that I can tell you which citrus fruit I taste, exactly. Perhaps a medley of orange, tangerine and lime? There is a slight tartness, but overall, the flavor is decidedly that of sweet citrus.
The body is smooth and silky – leaving a very pleasant feeling over the palate as I sip. Not quite as thick as some Oolongs I’ve experienced, but, very velvet-y, nonetheless. There is also a vegetative flavor to the cup. It isn’t a strong vegetable flavor nor is it grassy; it’s just a wee little hint at a vegetative quality.
I prefer this tea hot, and that’s how I’d recommend that you drink it. Of course, you don’t have to take that recommendation, but you’d be missing out on the many subtle nuances of flavor that this tea has to offer if you don’t. The naturally sweet nature of this tea needs no additional sweetening, and I fear it would upset the lovely balance of flavors of this tea if sugar or something else sweet was added… however, if you’d like to emphasize the citrus tones of this tea, a teensy squeeze of orange might be am enjoyable addition.
This tea is truly a Soul Vacation! It tastes so luxurious and it is positively relaxing to sip… and even to brew. Try brewing it in a glass vessel so that you can enjoy the showy display of the leaves slowly unfurling. Lovely!
Da Yu Lin Oolong from Cloudwalker Teas
Tea Type: Oolong
Where To Buy: Cloudwalker Teas
Product Description:
One notable characteristic of high level oolong tea is a total absence of bitterness. Such is the way with this ultra high grade oolong. Da Yiu Lin is remarkably smooth and rich with natural oil. It is soft and broad, exhibiting qualities of sweet, fresh flowers. This is a high level, high energy tea which is not easy to come by in Taiwan let alone outside. It is rich, sparkling, smooth, clean and transportative. Truly a top shelf oolong. If you are looking for a particularly special fresh, high mountain oolong tea, this is the one for you; a tea to be respected.
A note on preparation: unlike most oolongs, you can get away with having too many leaves in your teapot or having water much closer to boiling when poured over the leaves because it is of such a high quality. A truly forgiving and excellent tea.
Tasters Review:
This is the very first Cloudwalker Tea I have ever tried and am very excited!!!
I have seen this referred to as both Da Yu Lin as well as Da Lie Lin. Regardless…I must say this tea infuses to a bright greenish-yellow. It has next to no scent but if I try real hard with one eye crossed I suppose I can get a VERY subtle floral scent to it. The taste IS incredibly smooth and semi-sweet. It is fresh, clean, crisp, and quite tasty! This is very good! AND I’m looking forward to more of the Cloudwalker Teas loose leaf teas!
Classic Phoenix Oolong From Element Tea
Tea Type: Oolong
Where To Buy: Element Tea
Product Description:
Fine, long-twisted, single-stem leaves provide a light amber-yellow cup that carries a highly fragrant aroma of honeysuckle and almond. This Oolong has a smooth, delicate finish that you won’t forget.
Brew Time: 3 – 4 minutes
Ingredients: Chinese Oolong Tea
Tasters Review:
The Product Description for Classic Phoenix Oolong From Element Tea says “Long twisted leaves” and THAT is completely accurate!
It also says this tea is reminiscent of honeysuckle – I also agree! I also think it’s a bitty nutty and smooth – very smooth!
This tea is beautiful all-round! And it was just screaming for a 2nd infusion – so I jumped at the opportunity. The 2nd infusion was also nice! A full oolong taste with a more almond like finish – moreso than the first infusion. I infused over 7 minutes on the 2nd infusion.
I really do LOVE this!