Tea Information:
Leaf Type: Oolong
Where to Buy: Life in Teacup
Tea Description:
Production Year – 2012
Production Season – Spring
Production Region – Taiwan, Taizhong County, Li Shan Range, Gu Mai Tea Farm, 1800-2200m
Style – Modern green style
Learn more about this tea here.
Taster’s Review:
Yeah, I’ve said it before, and I’ll say it again – Li Shan/Ali Shan Oolong teas are among my favorite teas … in my top three! (#1 is Yellow Tea, and the Li Shan/Ali Shan Oolong teas would be #2 … and probably my favorite Earl Grey would be #3.) And THIS Taiwan High Mountain Oolong from Life in Teacup is one of the VERY best that I’ve ever tried of this type of Oolong.
I mean … Oh Wow! This is so delightful! Sweet, creamy, lush! Beautiful layers of flavor. The high notes are that of sweet cream … so smooth that it feels creamy as well as tastes it. Melding with that note of cream is the faintest hint of vanilla. Just beneath the creamy tones is a hint of exotic flower that develops as I continue to sip. Sweet honey-esque notes as well as a slight vegetative tone lie just under the floral tones. There are quiet notes of earth in the distance.
I love how smooth this tea is … no sharpness! There is a slight astringency that develops as I continue to sip, but it is so slight that unless I’m really focused on the nuances of the sip (which is something I need to do to write a review!) … the astringency can go unnoticed. There is nothing bitter whatsoever about this tea … it is so pleasurable to sip from start to finish.
Do yourself a favor and brew this tea in a gaiwan (or Yixing teapot) to get the most out of the leaves. I managed TEN very flavorful infusions … making this tea not only a wonderful treat for the palate, but also a very economical one!
If you like Ali Shan/Li Shan High Mountain Oolong Teas – this one is one you MUST try!
