1 tsp for 4 oz
Taste test of 2 Formosa OolongsAdagio: Formosa Oolong #8 ($4.00/oz)
A little thin and too astringent
Harney & Sons: Formosa Oolong ($1.67/oz)
More flavorful and smoother
Again, I seem to prefer the less expensive tea! This is very convenient. I really like the Formosa Oolong flavor. Now that I know more about tea, what I can say is that this type of tea is very similar in profile to a Bai Hao oolong. However, I believe it is probably not allowed to be affected by the leafhoppers. Also, from what Michael Harney has said, it is mechanically harvested. So, it’s a much less expensive option to the Bai Hao. That said, it is also less sweet, a bit more astringent. But it is incredibly similar in every other way. When I add a touch of honey to the Harney Formosa Oolong, I can barely tell the difference between it and the Bai Haos I’ve had.
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bear in mind that “Formosa” just means ‘from Taiwan’ and is a generic term so the quality of the teas can be vastly different in both oxidation and craft. I would not use the price as a measure of the tea’s character, as I have a ton of Ti Kuan Yin right now ranging from moderate grade to competition and the tastes and prices are vastly different and the tea itself would be merely ‘ti kuan yin’ and most people wouldn’t realize that prices could range from $30/# retail to $200 +/# retail
Kashyap – what are some of the best bang for buck oolongs you’ve come across?
(and where do you get them)
I know Formosa means Taiwan. But, I’ve done some research on this specific type of oolong. See: http://steepster.com/discuss/5116-michael-harney-solved-my-oolong-mystery
:)
K…just trying to be helpful…as for ‘bang for buck’ I find Yunnan tea sourcing does some amazing oolongs and so does Naivetea, Verdant tea, and Tao of Tea. All quality and reasonable
pricing
Thanks, Kashyap!
bear in mind that “Formosa” just means ‘from Taiwan’ and is a generic term so the quality of the teas can be vastly different in both oxidation and craft. I would not use the price as a measure of the tea’s character, as I have a ton of Ti Kuan Yin right now ranging from moderate grade to competition and the tastes and prices are vastly different and the tea itself would be merely ‘ti kuan yin’ and most people wouldn’t realize that prices could range from $30/# retail to $200 +/# retail
Kashyap – what are some of the best bang for buck oolongs you’ve come across?
(and where do you get them)
I know Formosa means Taiwan. But, I’ve done some research on this specific type of oolong. See: http://steepster.com/discuss/5116-michael-harney-solved-my-oolong-mystery
:)
K…just trying to be helpful…as for ‘bang for buck’ I find Yunnan tea sourcing does some amazing oolongs and so does Naivetea, Verdant tea, and Tao of Tea. All quality and reasonable
pricing
Thanks, Kashyap!