Taiwan High Mountain Oolong Tea from Teavivre

 

Tea Information:

Leaf Type:  Oolong

Where to Buy:  Teavivre

Tea Description:

Although Taiwan originates from Fujian, China, its flavor is quite distinct with Fujian Oolong tea. Like this Taiwan High Mountain Oolong Tea, it is recommended for beginners of Taiwan oolong. Different from the high aroma of Fujian Oolong, this tea has light floral fragrance. When sip the liquid, you can feel the sweet taste. If you want to taste new flavor, or try Taiwan Oolong, you can start with this Taiwan High Mountain Oolong Tea, by experiencing its flower scent and sweet flavor.

Learn more about this tea here.

Taster’s Review:

Based on the description above, this Taiwan High Mountain Oolong Tea from Teavivre sounds like it’s a “beginner” Oolong.  But that doesn’t mean that those of us who are more acquainted with Oolong teas can’t enjoy it too!  This is a lovely Oolong.

I brewed this the way I would ordinarily brew an Oolong:  in my gaiwan, of course!  I added 1 bamboo scoop to the bowl of the gaiwan, added water heated to 180°F and allowed the tea to “rinse” for 15 seconds.  I strained off the liquid and then steeped the leaves for 45 seconds.  I strained the tea into my teacup and then resteeped the leaves for 1 minute.  (For each subsequent infusion, I add 15 seconds.)

My trusty gaiwan is one that I’ve been using for years now, it has suffered a minor ‘chip’ on the spout (it’s one of those “easy” gaiwans and looks a lot like this one.)  But the gaiwan is still quite functional and since I don’t have to drink out of the gaiwan, the little chip doesn’t bother me.

As I said before, this is a lovely Taiwan Oolong.  It’s not as creamy as some Oolong teas and certainly not as floral as many greener Oolong teas I’ve tasted in the past.  But I like the delicate qualities of this tea.

It’s sweet but it isn’t a heavy or overwhelming sweetness.  The tea is soft and subtle.  The flavors are more delicate.  And I get what Teavivre meant by saying that this is a good starter Oolong, because the floral notes of some green Oolong teas can be rather overwhelming for a palate that isn’t familiar with those flowery essences.  The floral notes are beautifully gentle here.

It’s a mildly sweet Oolong with a nice, silky texture.  The vegetal notes are subdued, the floral notes are mellow, and there is a hint of sweet melon in the background.

My second cup (infusions 3 and 4, combined) is a little creamier than the first, but it still isn’t a heavy creamy note.  The floral notes are slightly stronger than in the first cup, but they are not sharp.  This cup is still quite smooth and sweet and pleasant.

The third cup (infusions 5 and 6, combined) is very much like the second cup.  This still has a pleasant, light creamy note.  The floral notes are a wee bit stronger than previous cups and I notice just a hint of sharpness.  Still a remarkably smooth, light and refreshing cup of tea.

As I said at the start, this is a really lovely Oolong.  It is one I’d recommend to those who are new to Oolong teas, definitely, and also to those who are familiar with Oolong teas for a refreshing change of pace.  It’s almost like cleansing the palate, drinking this Oolong!

GIFT CARD GIVEAWAY!

Teavivre has offered us several $5. gift cards to give away to our readers!  Yay!  These are just the thing for Black Friday and I’ll be giving the next five away just in time for Black Friday Shopping!  Here’s the fine print on the gift cards:

• It can be used to purchase any teas or teawares on the Teavivre website. 
• By using this particular gift card, the customer can also get an extra sampler pack which includes 2 kinds of our premium grade flower teas.
• The card can also be used to pay the shipping fee.
• One gift card per order, please.
• It can be applied on international. 
• No minimum purchase required.

By now you’re wondering, COOL!  What do I have to do to enter?  Am I right?

Well, we like to make things easy around here, so, you can earn your first entry by simply commenting on this review/contest announcement post.  Just post a comment and be sure to include a way to contact you if you’ve won.  If you’re already registered with TeaTra.de – cool!  I can contact you via PM on TeaTra.de  If you prefer a Steepster PM, that’s fine too, just tell me who you are on Steepster.  If you prefer a private email contact, then you need to register when you comment and be sure to include your email with the registration and tell us that’s how you want us to contact you.

Well, that’s the first entry, but, how about bonus entries?  You can earn them too!  Here are a few easy ways to earn more entries:

• Like Teavivre on Facebook.
• Follow Teavivre on Twitter.
• Post the contest information on Facebook *Be sure to give us a link!*
• Tweet about this contest!  *Be sure to give us the link of the tweet!*

See that?  That’s five easy ways to get a cool five bucks off your next purchase from Teavivre!  How awesome is that?

This contest is over.  Please check with our giveaway link to see what’s next!