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.

After 10 years of drinking this tea regularly, I’m bumping up the rating.

I normally choose loose-leaf, but sometimes a teabag sealed in mylar foil is called for. This has become my go-to bagged Oolong tea in terms of freshness, value, and flavor.

It’s perfect for traveling, camping, a quick-fix when I don’t want to deal with loose leaf, or for keeping the office shelves stocked.

I’m bumping this tea a solid 99/100 based solely on the quality and value for the low price. This is the cheapest enjoyable and desirable tea I’ve ever found.

Be careful: ONLY the individually mylar-bagged tea is this good. They also sell visually similar tea in different packages that are not individually sealed, and that tea is dramatically lower quality and freshness.