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“I believe this is the last sample I got from the puriTea that I have yet to try. I love the fact that the samples come in mini tins instead of plastic bags because I will reuse the tins or they can...” Read full tasting note
“I’m surprised I am the first to log this one, too! Dry leaves somewhat smell like Cocoa. Yum. Post infusion liquid smell is slightly smokey or maybe roasted would be a better fit. Almost like...” Read full tasting note
“I’ve had this sample for awhile but I have never wanted to try it. Partially because I have no idea why I ordered it, as it doesn’t seem like something I’d care for. Well, time to find out if...” Read full tasting note
“Okay this is the only tea from The Traveling Tea Box I am using all the leaves up on. It really was only enough for one serving, but ironically it is the one I would be the most likely to keep if...” Read full tasting note
Also known as “Da Hung Pao” or “Emperor of Tea,” Red Robe Oolong is a lightly oxidized oolong from Wuyi Mountain in Fujian, China. Its big, dark leaves smell caramelized, woodsy, chocolaty and slightly fruity. Its pumpkin-orange brew smells roasty, with a sweet cedar note. A slight astringency and full, sweet, round flavors of barley, raisins, caramel and charred wood make Red Robe Oolong a great choice for black tea drinkers. Mineral tones and a lingering, clean, sweet aftertaste set this tea apart. Drink multiple infusions of this bold oolong alongside meals of grilled meats, fish, eggplant, mushrooms or tofu, or ice it with a bit of brown sugar for a fantastic dessert tea.
Our mission is simple: to provide gourmet teas and practical teaware. We source all of our teas and teaware directly from China, Taiwan and India to ensure the maximum quality, value and freshness for our customers. By cutting out the middleman in our selection process, we can pass on savings to our customers and guarantee the quality of each and every one of our products.
Used a little more tea than I should have, so the steep, while the minimum suggested on the label, may have been a bit too long. Color is a distinctly red tone of brown. Aroma is woody, with a sweet overtone. Maybe toffee? Taste is a sweet, yet woody, and slightly astringent. As the tea cooled, astringency dissapeared.
I used the entire sample provided by thepuriTea in 500 ml. water in my Breville.
The scent and initial taste of the dry leaf was very strongly reminiscent of an earthy black tea, but it turns into more of a roasted green (genmaicha-ish) in scent and taste once steeped. I’m not really getting any other nuances in this infusion, but the boyfriend likes it enough to go another round so we’ll see what develops.
As it stands, this is a nice solid tea that would pair well with savory foods.
ETA: As the first steep cooled, there was a distinct nutty taste in the liquor – I was hoping that it would show up more in the second steep, but it did not. The second steep (at five minutes) was much like the first, with the exception of it being a little lighter in taste and texture. Overall I think that it wasn’t a bad tea, just not an overly complex one.
(Update)
This is a corrected review from yesterday, I mistakenly listed this with another company, then created a new review for it. QG had to help me again to find “thepuritea” no spaces and shazam! there it is. The tea gods seem to be against me on this one…
I got a sample of this from QG, (TQ or TG) :) I selected this as my morning tea. the sample was large enough for a pot, some in the tumbler and the rest in the thermos. This is a dark oolong and very rich in flavor. No smoke, a hint of citris maybe, but overall just a deep full oolong tea flavor. I could drink this everyday. Looks to be resteepable as well.
I was not able to find it on the website.
Additional comment: This was still in my french press last night when I got home, I resteeped and drank it with dinner. Still rich, deep, and full on the second steep. I see Red Robes in my future…
Tastes like a roasted oolong. A bit nutty too, like Houjicha. It’s quite good, but not exciting. Lots of roasted oolongs out there. I like this better than some and less than others. This one could be one of many roasted oolongs that I cycle through me regular stash (I always like to have at least one)
I do, however, like the name, so it may get preference once in a while just for that.
Quite nice toasted oolong. Has a strong nutty flavor and aroma and a bit of dryness. No strong tannin’s that I pick up. Not a very complex tea. Finishes like it starts. Leaves smell of earth and toasted sesame seeds. I like a bit more complex teas but this is a good tea once and a while.
This tea was a surprise. I wasn’t expecting its intensity. First, the smell when dry. I’d say woodsy. Nice. Unremarkable, really.
195/2 min – The aroma has become deeper. It’s now more of a roasted scent. The color is a medium reddish brown. Very pretty to look at and very appropriately named! The taste is rich, deep and roasted. It reminds me a bit of barley. It’s a strong tea without bitterness.
This tasted more vegetal than roasty – more of a green oolong than a darker one. It was ok, but milder than I would like even after steeping for 4 minutes. I much prefer the dark premium red robe from Mandala tea. The second steep at 5 minutes was not very flavorful.
