Osmanthus Oolong
High altitude oolong infused with osmanthus – Taiwan origin
Dry: deep note of floral and exotic fruit, almost oriental spicy mustard with high nasal bite and brightness
Wet: scent of fresh custard, clarified butter, yuzu, lime, and nutty
Appearance: tightly rolled, lightly oxidized leaves with fine, yellow and orange floral threads
Cup: bright, clear deep yellow liquor with pale, lemon hues at the edge of the cup. Initial flavors of traditional lightly oxidized oolong, sweet-cream and floral, but quickly gives way to a rich yuzu-like fruity flavor that vanishes and is replaced by a sweet lingering finish, which again transforms into a building flavor along the edges of the tongue. Flavor builds with each sip and seems to be perfectly balanced between the expression of the oolongs natural flavors and the introduced flavors of the osmanthus- both having expression and neither dominating.
Brewing method: 17 oz. double layered glass mug from www.sunsteas.com, decanted into teaspot infuser mug. 4grams of tea in 180 degree water, steeped 4 minutes and then water temp. increased and steep time increased for following steeps (4).
a lovely display of flavor awareness and balance and perhaps the best expression of osmanthus that I’ve tried that didn’t seem heavy handed or overly dominant over the tea.
does have a mild astringency over successive cups, would recommend this as a compliment in a Thai restaurant to pair up with galangal and spicy dishes or as a side to a traditional lychee or custard dessert.