Taiwan Oolong Tea

Wow, this was a pleasant surprise. I got this at the Oriental Mart nearby, and decided to get some to see if it was any good. It was, and it is a good light oolong. The package doesn’t say what type with the exception of it being from Taiwan. Every time I’ve had it, it’s had a slightly different taste. It’s a medium roast, but at first I could have sworn it was like a Jin Xuan. Later on, it was more like a Li Shan, but a little more floral and less salty.

Steeping is very forgiving for this and it changes over time. At three minutes, it’s light, vegetal floral, and a little creamy, but at five minutes, it’s more buttery and almost nutty with the same profile as before. I can steep it again at least once. This matches the descriptions that I’ve seen of Li Shan, and most of the others that I’ve had were way too light and salty. This one is flavorful and still simple. I’d probably introduce people to oolong with this one because the steeping is so forgiving. Even more experienced drinkers might at least appreciate it.

I might up the rating later since it’s so good yet so cheap, but it definitely works for my college setting.

Whoa, this is a surprisingly decent Thai Oolong tea for the price.

I picked up a box of 20 individually wrapped tea bags for $1.89, on sale at 99 Ranch Market. In the past, when I’ve purchased tea for this cheap, it’s been pretty awful, but I’m so glad I tried again. This tea is totally decent! For the super cheap price, I’d even say it’s excellent.

I poured the contents of two tea-bags into my strainer basket, and brewed a delicious cup, followed by 2 re-steeps.

The flavor is similar to much more expensive Thai oolong teas I’ve recently enjoyed from Steepster Select, although maybe not quite as complex. I enjoy the mineral, floral, and grassy notes, as well as the natural sweetness I expect from Oolong teas from Thailand.

The tea has a few stems, but is mostly tightly rolled leaves. During the second brewing, the whole tea leaves unfurled beautifully.

I’m going back to 99 Ranch to buy another box (or 3) of this awesome deal.