Rose Phoenix Oolong Tea

This had been sitting in my cupboard for a long while, half-forgotten. I decided I needed to try something new today instead of hopping back and forth between Earl Grey, Bailin Gongfu, and Pumpkin Ginger.

I’ve never had a rose oolong before, so this is certainly an intriguing first for me. It smells more of the actual tea leaves than rose as it steeps and cools. Instructions on the back say that it needs five minutes to steep, but I feel like that may be bad advice. Also, it says that this tea is known to enhance beauty… does that mean this tea is supposed to make me pretty? Hmm.

Upon the first sip, I’m glad I only went with two minutes. The rose flavor is subtle, more in the aftertaste and on the exhale. It has a hint of that peppery taste that rose teas tend to have, but it isn’t harsh. This tea seems to showcase the oolong more than the rose, which is something I respect. It has nothing to hide. It’s a quality tea, especially for something bagged.

Woah this packs a punch. Definitely a lot of strong bodied oolong notes with a equally strong aroma and taste. You can sure as hell smell and taste everything congruently upon drinking. The color is a amber gold and the tea is slightly overpowering at first.

Maybe I slightly over brewed it today? Possibly. I’ve got a 25 pack of it, so we’ll find out eventually.