A sample from Ysaurella, and a long overdue tasting note! This was the first tea I tried from the MF samples she so graciously sent me. I followed the parameters she recommended — 5 minutes at 80 degrees. The resulting liquor is yellow-gold, and very smooth tasting. I was expecting a little astringency, for some reason, but fortunately there is none.
The oolong is floral, slightly buttery and “green” tasting on the whole. There’s a light flavour of orange blossom in the middle of the sip, but it fades relatively quickly. I’m finding it quite a calming, reflective tea, which is just what I need at work sometimes. It’s perfect for a late summer day, when there’s still some warmth but the seasons are definitely turning. If a tea could capture the last rays of sunlight on a grove of orange trees in blossom, this one would. I could wish the orange blossom was a little stronger or more lingering, but we can’t have everything we want in life. A beautiful cup.
You are never a zero at anything
thank you Bonnie :)
I’ve also been surprised by the steeping time announced at Mariage for white tea – also 7 minutes.
The white tea I bought in Asia was to be steeped for less than 3 minutes.
The oolong I have (also bought here) only requires a 60 seconds first steep, at 95°.
Hope you’ll find the good steeping time, as I’m sure this blend can be lovely.
The zero is more deserved by the MF salesman IMO.