Tea Type:
Oolong Tea
Where To Buy:
Zi Chun
Product Description:
Gui Fei oolong made in similar fashion to Oriental Beauty in that the tea leaves are bitten by small green insects. It is the insects biting the leaves that gives these teas their unique honey characteristic aroma and taste, and also initiates the oxidization process. The main difference with Gui Fei is that 1.) it is grown in the central regions of Taiwan (Oriental beauty is grown primarily in the North) and 2.) Gui Fei is processed using traditional Dong Ding oolong processing techniques.
Tasters Review:
I’m not sure why – perhaps it’s just a personal preference – but I tend to drink Oolong Teas in the afternoon. While I’m working and writing and writing and working I tend to drink teas that I can infuse over and over again. The other day this tea accomplished both. This tea is from Zi Chun and is their Gui Fei Oolong Tea.
It’s not overly colorful once infused – more of a tint or a hue than a color – but that doesn’t mean it lacks for aroma. It’s gently roasted yet slightly sweet. It’s not lacking flavor but the flavor is not intense either. Eventho I was sipping on this while frantically writing and typing in the afternoon I could totally picture myself unwinding with this tea in the evening, too. It’s incredibly smooth and comforting.
A few things I found out about this tea is that it was harvested in the summer of 2013 in Lugu township, Nantou County, Central Taiwan at the elevation of 1,200 – 1,500 feet. Another thing that I enjoyed learning about this tea is that it’s also known as King’s Concubine tea.
Just when I think I might stray away from Oolongs – a really fabulous one enters my life – that I must listen to and try – and try over and over again. THIS is one of those Oolongs!
Assam Black Tea #8 from Zi Chun Tea Company
Tea Type:
Black Tea
Where To Buy:
Zi Chun Tea Company
Product Description:
Premium quality Assam black tea produced in the famous Taiwan black tea growing region of Nantou county. We have two varieties of this specialty tea to choose from.
Item code: YA-BT4004-T and YA‐BT404A‐T
Also known as: Taiwan black tea
Harvest Date: Summer 2013
Growing Region: Yuchih township, Sun Moon lake area, Nantou county, Taiwan
Elevation: 1000 m
Varietal: Assam (TRES No. 8)
Grade: AAA
Farming Methods: Hand picked, low pesticide
Production: Fully oxidized with a light roast, appearance of long twisted strands of full leaf
Other notes:It may come as a surprise to many tea enthusiasts that consider Taiwan only for its magnificent oolongs, but Taiwan has also a long history of producing black teas that date back to the early 1920’s. Then under Japanese rule, Yuchih township, situated on the shores of the scenic Sun Moon Lake of central Taiwan, was chosen for it’s perfect climate and soil for the growing of Assamica tea bushes. The Japanese objective was then to compete with the striving British commerce that ruled over the trade of black tea. They could never compete in yield, but, surprisingly enough, the quality of these Taiwanese black teas attracted such attention that it sold very well in New York and London. With the demise of the Japanese at the conclusion of WW II, black tea virtually disappeared from the island. Today, one can easily experience why this tea was successful through the revival of this heritage Assam tea.
Refined by the Taiwan Research and Extension Station, this TRES No. 8 Assam strand presents itself as a large, wonderfully curled and lustrous full leaf; reminiscent of the best of Baozhongs. A wonderfully fruity aroma emanates from the cup that evokes stewed cherries and apricot jam. In the cup, one experiences a round, fruity sweetness that is quite heady and very refreshing. A warm velvety body satisfies the palate and withstands the test of a dash of milk.
Very exuberant and satisfying, a “must try” tea for all English style tea drinkers… and oolong drinkers alike!
Tasters Review:
I enjoy sharing tea with friends and family…however…Assam Black Tea #8 from Zi Chun Tea Company is one that is quite hard to part with!
I LOVE everything about this tea. As soon as I open the package the dry aroma is very impressive and tempting. The smell almost reminds me of Croissant with Apricot Jam in the middle. The leaves are long, thin, and winding. As it infuses the aroma morphs into a more rich black tea and crusty or bread-like scent which is equally inviting. The post infusion color of the tea liquid in the cup is a unique combination of Orange, Light Brown, and a bit of Grey.
The flavor is amazing! First I picked out the Crusty-Bread-like flavors mixed in with the Cherries and Apricot hints. It’s sweet and somewhat refreshing but at the same time has a Baked-Goods aspect closed to a ‘toast’ flavor. It’s bold and malty and I just LOVE it!
When Zhi Chun says it’s a “Must Try” tea – I’ll second that…but friends and family might just have to pry it from my hands!