Phoenix Village "Mi Xiang" Shui Xian Oolong tea * Spring 2017

This is a very nice Wu Yi for those on a budget. Solid notes of caramel, cinnamon, baking spice, and peanut shell on the arrival. A “wet rock” minerality develops on the palate. The finish brings up juicy and tangy fruit flavors of red currant, gooseberry, and tart raspberry. There is also an interesting nutty creaminess in the aftertaste, coupled with a lingering aftertaste that fades into a slight mintiness.

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Yes, there is some occasional magic in this tea. It is a good buy on a budget. It didn’t seem too consistent, but when I had the brew dialed in just right I could find the sweet cherry notes amongst the mineral/earthy elements. I’m normally a black tea drinker, but this one has convinced me to add some darker oolongs to the mix. Overall a good experience with this tea!

I don’t know why, but I brewed through all 100g without even attempting a second or third steep. That was probably a mistake, because as Nicholas mentioned, the “roast” may become less prominent on later steeps. LOL, I didn’t even know a roast was involved with this one. I am planning to order the Spring 2018 batch soon, so I’ll do some more experimenting.

While I don’t get much “honey” flavor from it, it’s definitely thick and sweet like a honey nectar – mixed in with strong mineral overtones along with some hay and brown sugar notes thrown in. The after taste lasts forever, and I couldn’t put my finger on what it reminded me of, but then it just hit me… it reminds me of the sweet tobacco I used to chew in highschool. I’ve had this tea for a few months, and I revisit it every few weeks – it seems to get better and better every time I do.

When I first got this tea, I had to say I wasn’t a fan of it. It was punchy and in your face in a way that my greener oolongs really weren’t. I decided to bring this tea back out and WOW it has really improved. I enjoy the deep hay and syrupyness in the first couple of steeps. Practically a savoryness. Later on the roast looses its prominence and more fruit and sweetness appeared. I am really enjoying it and would solidly recommend.