After sipping so many flavored and spiced teas lately, my palate seemed to long for the pleasant sensation of tasting a pure, unflavored tea. This week, I decided to try two new oolong teas I received from
Teavivre recently. Right away, I was pleased to note the difference in the two teas' appearances. The one at left is Taiwan Jin Xuan Milk Oolong Tea, and at right is Guang Dong Phoenix Dan Cong Oolong Tea.
The Taiwan Jin Xuan Milk Oolong had a very fresh, slightly vegetal scent when I opened the sample packet of tightly balled-up leaves.
Steeped, the tea had a very pronounced vegetal scent, like steamed spinach. I steeped a teaspoon and a half of the tea in boiling water for two minutes and it had a pleasant, vegetal taste with just a tad of astringency.
The Guang Dong Phoenix Dan Cong Oolong Tea looked much different, with long, wiry tea leaves. This tea had more of that scent I often compare to wood or pencil shavings. I steeped a teaspoon and a half of it for two minutes in boiling water as well.
Steeped, the tea surprised me with a very, very fruity fragrance, almost grape-like, it seemed. The taste was pleasantly fruity as well, and though I liked the first oolong, I absolutely loved this one! It was fun to try two new oolong teas at the same time, and I do believe I may try this method again sometime!
Interesting description of the first tea, one that smells and looks like spinach would have me hesitating to try it. However, I like the fact that you try all manner of blends and let us know how they are.
ReplyDeleteAs much as I like the flavoured varieties, I don't stray too far from a good black tea when I crave something basic.
Judith
I love tasting teas that I might not order on my own. Enjoyed your tea descriptions. Thanks for the review.
ReplyDeleteFun! I think it's easier to tease out the nuances of a tea in a side-by-side comparison with another.
ReplyDeleteI do love tasting side by side when evaluating teas. I did that with Teavivre's Yun Nan Dian Hong teas and it really helped me to better appreciate them. Fun experiment.
ReplyDeleteTea tastings are always interesting - thanks for sharing your experience. Love those beautiful wet leaves!
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