Tea Information:
Leaf Type: Oolong
Where to Buy: Byron Bay Tea Company
Company Description:
Tie Guan Yin or Iron Goddess is probably the best known Chinese high-grade Oolongs. A light, semi-fermented, whole-leaf tea that is low in caffeine, high in antioxidants and particularly beneficial around meal times. The fresh, earthy flavour carries a lingering aroma, as well as subtle undertones of florals and fruits.
Taster’s Review:
I adore Oolong teas. They seem to me to be just a little more complex … a little more flavorful … a little more interesting … than most other types of tea. Probably the only type of tea that I like better than Oolong is a yellow tea, and due to the rare nature (and higher cost) of yellow tea, I enjoy Oolong teas more often than I do yellow, which I tend to reserve for occasions as rare as the tea leaf itself.
So, when I received this Oolong from Byron Bay, I was very excited to try it. Having been quite impressed from the other teas I’ve tried from Byron Bay, my expectations were high for this Oolong, and I’m pleased to report that Byron Bay did not let me down!
This Tie Guan Yin has a lighter body than some ofther Tie Guan Yin teas that I’ve encountered. The floral character is a little stronger in this tea, which cuts through some of the heavy buttery notes just a little. The result is a cup that is very pleasantly floral, lightly sweet and possesses hints of buttery undertones. Delicious!
This tea is very smooth and has a rich taste despite it’s lighter quality. The mouthfeel is not as thick as some Oolong teas, but it is soft and silky. This tea is very enjoyable to sip.
Organic Sencha Green Tea from Byron Bay Tea Company
Tea Information:
Leaf Type: Green
Where to Buy: Byron Bay Tea Company
Company Description:
This organic sencha green tea is made from the prized, young, tender spring leaves near the top of the bush. Sencha green tea is a beautiful light green colour when steeped. The traditional handling methods of this tea help to preserve and enhance the tea’s flavour and nutrients resulting in a fine quality green tea.
Taster’s Review:
This is a tea that would earn Popeye’s endorsement!
The vegetative flavor of this tea tastes a little bit like – yes, you guessed it – steamed spinach. Fortunately, I like steamed spinach! But unlike the strong, powerful taste that you might get when eating spinach, this tea’s flavor is gentle.
That gentle vegetative character is enhanced by a natural, delicate sweetness. This sweetness is counteracted with a slight nip of bitterness which cuts through the sweet flavor just enough to keep the flavor interesting and not-too-sweet.
Interestingly enough, one characteristic that this Sencha seems to be missing is the creamy buttery note that I often taste in a Sencha tea. And while I do enjoy that buttery flavor – I don’t feel like this Sencha tea is lacking in flavor just because that buttery note isn’t there. This is just different. And sometimes, different is good – it makes for a more interesting cuppa.
This tea is one that I recommend serving hot – it just doesn’t taste as good when it cools. It doesn’t really need any sweetener, but it is quite nice with a thin slice of lemon or lime.
This Sencha tea is smooth and agreeable – just the right amount of vegetal sweet and bitter. I like it.