Dong Fang Mei Ren (Oriental Beauty) Oolong Tea #AAA

The first aromas from the dry leaves in a warm gaiwan are of cocoa and apricot. After the first infusion, the wet leaves are much more fragrant with fruit aromas or white grape, nectarine, and lychee. The pale yellow first infusion is quite sugary and light with a flavor reminiscent of lychee, both fruity and floral.

On the next infusion I’m getting more white grape flavors, more of the flowers and lychee, and a lot of honey-like sweetness. More of the same flavors in infusion three. This tea has a very thick, velvety, quenching texture, and there isn’t a hint of bitterness present. The sweetness lingers on your tongue like honey. There are spice notes and autumn leaves in the aroma. I’m on the fourth infusion and the flavor has been pretty consistent so I think the most helpful words I can share are to compare this to other Oriental Beauty oolongs I’ve had. This one has really nothing I’d describe as an earthy flavor. It stays well on the floral, honey, and fruity side of things (descending in that order), while some others I’ve had add a layer of earthiness or woodiness beneath all that. This one should delight those who like their Oriental Beauty oolong sweeter, especially if you like floral tones.