Lishan High Mountain Spirit Oolong tea, Lot 230

The dry leaves smell wonderful, and the infused ones show the skill of the plucker. The brewed liquor is very nice indeed — sweet, floral, creamy — though not as long-lasting as I would expect from a tea of this price.

First infusion – 3 g. per 6 oz water, 90 deg., 3:00 min.

Second infusion – 3 g. per 6 oz. water, 90 deg., 5:00 min.

Third infusion – 3 g. per 6 oz. water, 90 deg., 10:00+ min.

I’m in the mood for some more Oolong, something to put my mind at ease for tomorrows doctors visit. I’m having my first cervical screening tomorrow, I’ve had scans of an intimate nature done before but those were to show my ovaries are in the wrong area and that I couldn’t have kids. My mum had cervical cancer as did my nan and my aunt so honestly I’m preparing myself for the worst, but since my husband had testicular cancer a few years ago I agreed to be on time for any intimate scan. Promises are promises but I’m sure you girls know how nervous it can be. And the guys are probably cringing lol.

Anyway focus on Oolong, my good old friend Oolong. Taiwan Tea Crafts still has this one in stock so I can read some information on it. “No other Lishan tea shines with the same purity and authenticity as this one.” Ooohhh that sounds promising :) “produced by Mr. Gao, a member of the Atayal Nation”.

The balls are a nice size with a rough average of 4mm. They are a mixture of two dark greens. They smell sweet and floral, like geranium perfume. Also getting a buttery scent.

Water : 3oz / 85ml 194℉ / 90℃
7 Grams Tea
8 steeps : rinse,25s,25s,30s,40s,60s,90s,120s,180s
Gaiwan
Rinsing time is around 5 seconds

First Steep – 25 seconds
Mild, sweet, floral and mineral. Like mild geranium water spray.

Second Steep – 25 seconds
Toasted geranium and grass with a honeyed after taste.

Third Steep – 30 seconds
Very sweet and floral but more perfumed and dry. Yet still clean tasting.

Fourth Steep – 40 seconds
Very perfumed and florally thick but also more grassy. Heavy perfume after taste.

Fifth Steep – 60 seconds
Still perfumed and geranium like but remains pure and sweet.

Sixth Steep – 90 seconds
It’s still think and carrying on it’s flavour very well. It’s still thick yet with no astringency and the geranium is still fresh and sweet.

Seventh Steep – 120 seconds
Softer than the previous steeps but still very floral and clean.

Eighth Steep – 180 seconds
Very soft and back to the strength of the first steep. Buttery and sweet once more.

It tasted like spring water with flowers inside rather than a tea and it was very refreshing yet flavourful. I had high hopes and it raised the bar to be possibly the best Li Shan I have tried. It had little dryness despite being heavily perfumed and it left a beautiful after taste, I feel like I’ve breathed in spring!