Gui Hua ‘Osmanthus’ Oolong from The Tao of Tea

Tea Information:

Leaf Type:  Oolong

Where to Buy:  The Tao of Tea

Product Description:

Native Name: Gui Hua Oolong

Origin: Hunan, China

Introduction: Gui Hua (pronounced “gway hwah”) is the Chinese name for the fragrant osmanthus flower, which blossoms in the Phoenix Mountain area during tea season and is used in scenting this oolong.

Osmanthus Scenting
In the final stages of processing, the leaves are baked with fresh osmanthus blossoms “heat-infusing” the tea with the flower’s fragrant essential oils.

Flavor Profile: A light, bright, sweet flavor and a fruity, floral aroma with hints of apples and apricots.

Ingredients: Oolong Tea Leaves.
Taster’s Review:

Having tried only a few Osmanthus Oolong teas in the past but enjoying them immensely, I was very excited to try this one from The Tao of Tea.  The Tao of Tea has quickly become one of my favorite tea companies, and this tea is a perfect illustration of why that is so.  Quite simply:  this tea tastes amazing!

The aroma of the dry leaf is lightly floral, and that delicate scent remains in the brewed product.  It is a treat to inhale deeply before taking a sip to enjoy the lovely fragrance.

The flavor is sweet and has beautiful fruit notes.  Yes, I can taste the apple and the apricot as described by The Tao of Tea.  The melding of these two fruit essences creates a sweet, delicious flavor that is absolutely mesmerizing.  My taste buds are experiencing nirvana!  Yes, it really is that good.

Osmanthus Blossoms
There are light floral notes – this is not as floral tasting as you might think given that it is a flower scented Oolong tea.   There are pleasing notes of flower in the background, but, mostly what I taste are the fruit notes, sweetness, and a bit of buttery taste (ever so slight).  The mouthfeel is sumptuously soft and enhances the overall experience of this tea.

I think that this is a MUST TRY for all tea enthusiasts.  If you like Oolong, yes, you must try it.  Even if you aren’t crazy about Oolong teas, try it anyway.  It’s so good, it may just change your mind about Oolong!

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