Note: My variety of Ti Kuan Yin is actually not from Adagio Teas but bought in Singapore. I am unaware of the brand.
Tikuanyin:
Despite the fact that the water wasn’t quite hot enough to brew the tea correctly, this beautiful oolong brew is fresh and subtle with a beautiful hint of smoky flavour underneath. One of my favourite aspects of the tea, I would have to say, is the undercurrent of grass that comes through in even just one sip. It’s not overwhelming, like some Japenese teas, but gives the tea a fantastic feature that just tilts it into something that isn’t boring but intriguing.
I feel a little bit like I’m keeping a secret when I drink this tea, because the undertones are so perfectly blended and come out just the right amounts as you drink it. Each flavour has its winning moment: the initial taste is of that classic green tea/oolong flavour; bland but fresh and nice. And then comes the grassy aspect, as the tea settles on your tongue, just enough to add an interesting twist on the tea. And as it slides down your throat, suddenly you’re aware of a beautiful smoky aftertaste it has left on your tongue.
Overall, I quite enjoyed this tea and I think it will have to be one I add to my regular rotation.
