19 Tasting Notes
At a dollar and a half per ounce for this heavenly brew, there is nothing to complain about. I’ve had Tao of tea before and never been disappointed. This oolong is floral, buttery and full. I can’t even think of how to best describe it yet; I’ll have to update this post once an impression sinks in. Its flavor lasts multiple infusions and is best drunk in a gaiwan. You could have this thing for dessert, no kidding!
Preparation
I wouldn’t describe this one as very vegetal actually, it really has more of a smooth creamy taste with a little tannin bite. I remember the price being quite high, something like $140/160 per pound. It is a very good tea but can probably be found for much less. In the mid-80s, I’d say, not the best oolong I’ve had but not far behind either.
Preparation
Definitely a stonefruit taste, peachy and delicious! I ordered a sample of a few grams which was quite pricey ($6) but I tried this tea in Prague and was quite impressed by it (wish I’d stocked up when it was cheap). I bought two gaiwans from Harney & Sons and they really enrich the tea-drinking experience. For this tea, they retain the fragrance in the lid and I feel that drinking frequent infusions of varying strengths is much more enjoyable than a big mug that cools down quickly. A top oolong, just a notch between some of the oolongs from Republic of Tea (believe it was Formosa).
Preparation
It was reduced by 75% at Bristol Farms ($20 orig.) so I had to try it. I had high hopes because of RoT’s Orchid Oolong, but this tea isn’t the same thing. It doesn’t have as distinct a flavor. It’s still a good oolong and refreshing, but no cigar. Maybe if I had a variable temperature kettle, I could get a better taste because of closer temperature accuracy. I’ll keep experimenting with brewing and see if I change my mind.
Preparation
I don’t know if this one is available anymore. I give it the honor of being my favorite tea that I’ve ever bought. I’ve long sought an oolong to replace this one. It is very buttery, as the other reviewer said. I’m terrible at describing flavors unfortunately, so I can’t illuminate this too much.
I have been getting into RoT’s selection recently, and was desperately seeking out this one. It sounds really good. I have yet to try any of the Imperial Republic line teas, as they are only made in limited quantities (these teas are made in conjunction with San Francisco’s Imperial Tea Court), and while doing some research I have discovered that all of the teas featured in that collection over the years are actually available year-long on Imperial Tea Court’s website. Since you were one of the two people who had reviewed this tea, I wanted to let you know what I had found. I believe this is the exact same blend. I am very excited to try it. Their website is:
www.imperialtea.com
Just wanted to share what I learned with someone who also appreciates a good oolong tea.
It seems the original Orchid Oolong was made with Formosan oolong tea, and they have now “refined” it, using Tie Guan Yin oolong. I’m going to order a sample-size to try it out. I’d be curious to see if you find it similar to the original. Please give an update if you do try it.
Hey, thanks for the link! The selection looks very intriguing and I will likely order a sample of one of those oolongs. If they are anything like the orchid oolong, I will be in for a treat. I’ll keep you updated. Let me know if you come across anything good tea-wise, of any sort.
I found Clipper tea when I was at Marshalls and was drawn to the design and the fact they’re organic and fair-trade. I bought the White Tea, Chai, Chamomile and later Mixed Berry and Green Tea. Chamomile and White are my favorites. They’re light and purifying and perfect with a teaspoon of honey.
