Sun, Moon, and Stars

Work Tea Swap

So, apparently there are ‘hardcore’ tea drinkers besides myself in the office. I was drinking some Taiwanese Pear (?) Oolong from a farmer on IG, when my co-worker brought it to my attention that she’s “pretty much into tea, too,” so we exchanged samples.

Now, I oftentimes rate a bit easier with tea swapped teas. But with this one, I can’t mildly fake it. I don’t like it. Too much jasmine or perhaps something else. It starts out okay, but it quickly turns into a bitter ball of jasmine as it cools. Maybe this would be and/or is okay as a near-boiling tea, but overall, I don’t like it.

Again, Davidson’s tea seems to be one of those grocery store brands that doesn’t disappoint. This tea begins by hitting the tip of the tongue with the VERY slight bitter tang of a Chinese oolong.

Now, this is a jasmine tea, and I hate jasmine blends. But the jasmine was so very light and delicate that it was actually a mild flavor, like a spice, to accompany the tea instead of drowning my senses. The oolong carried the jasmine scent to the middle of the palate, where it spread like a warming cloud.

As I swallow, it gets a little strange. There’s a bit of salty greenness, which reminds me of a Chinese green tea.

I can imagine drinking this tea at a really good Chinese restaurant.

Raising my rating on this a little, the jasmine seems to be agreeing with me better lately.

Very Light, no aftertaste but almost no flavor either. For Green Teas, Tazo Green tips is my “50” score and I could drink that every day. This is too weak for me.

State when consumed: Mug, no additives, approx 170 degrees post steep.

Had to steep longer than directed. Pleasant – Light in taste. Before steeping light aroma…after steeping next to NO scent. If you are a beginner or aren’t into a strong tea taste…try this.