This is my first time trying a Four Seasons oolong, so yet again, I’m very excited by these samples from Green Terrace Teas. They are vacuum packed in gold foil pouches that are lovely and keep the tea very well stored.
Brewing this Gongfu style in a gaiwan, after an initial rinse, the aroma of the leaves is very rich with scents of honey, custard, cinnamon and apples. It smells a bit like a pecan pie or apple pie or some other delicious pastry. It is heavenly. The taste is mild and sweet with the same qualities.
The second steeping tastes lightly floral with hints of toasted pecans and cream. It has a wonderful warm and mild flavor, quite balanced with the floral and nutty tones on opposing ends of the taste spectrum. By the third steeping, the flavor is more floral, but it is very easy on the tongue and not overly strong. It is still also very creamy and mildly sweet. The lingering aftertaste is very nice. Four steepings in the floral qualities emerge a bit more, still underscored by a caramel-like sweetness. Fifth steeping is less floral and more of the sweet honey and nutty flavors with a bit of caramel apple, becoming once again very mellow. I think this tea is at its best in the early and late steepings when the floral notes are more subdued.
I think this is a wonderful Four Seasons oolong and I recommend it. It has a very clean taste and a sweet and balanced flavor.
I brewed it for 15 seconds in a gaiwan, adding 15 seconds each time at 194F/90C with 4.5g of tea per 100ml of water.
Flavors: Apple, Caramel, Cinnamon, Creamy, Floral, Honey, Pecan
