5 Tasting Notes
Wow! Incredible. Pleasant tea from start to finish, this Ali Shan Oolong has all the complexity one could wish for in a tea so highly regarded. Honestly, the different tastes in this tea’s bouquet are so hard to pin down, so perfectly balanced and “blended,” that words escape any description. Yet, to approximate, the memory that comes to mind is a gentle kiss on a Spring morning. There is a dew-like quality to this oolong, something between tulips and rosewater. A blessing beyond explanation.
Flavors: Floral, Geranium, Orchid, Rose
Preparation
Honestly, I never perfected this particular one. However, it does occupy an especially pleasant location in the range of tastes, being at once delicately balanced between being astringent, medium-light bodied, and yet lightly floral.
Flavors: Astringent, Mineral, Vegetal, Wet Earth, Wet Rocks
Preparation
Enjoyable tea of subtle, but gentle, qualities. Has a very soft and floral scent when steeped under two minutes. Crisp taste without a bite. A nice green to change up your everyday ritual. As well, works into that “sencha” spot, without competing, but instead supplementing.
Flavors: Floral, Grass, Ocean Air
Preparation
As usual, a friend brought me some tea, this time Pi Lo Chun, directly from China, bought from an estate representative.
The first steeping was subtle, a light and aromatic taste that gently lingered on the palette, delighting not only the tongue, but the nose as well. This experience, perhaps the defining aspect of the tea so far, seemed to last forever. Quite an accomplishment. This fine and gentle experience was a perfect pair with the Sun’s breaking light across my view this morning.
Second steeping yielded a heavier bottom note, a more earthy and grassy scent and taste, and a fuller mouth feel. Still yet, the tea remained on the palette for an exceptionally long time. By about half way through the second cup this tea really starts growing on you.
The thing I liked the most was its ability to create a lingering taste and aroma that seemed to last forever. I would use the tea again. Although not a strongly flavored tea, its subtleties and pleasantries make it a perfect lighter green with a good balance for any time of day.
