My quest for naturally honey flavored oolongs continue. The latest in my trials is this little number from Upton Tea. From what I’ve read, Guei-Fei oolong is supposedly gnawed upon by little bugs which allow for a honey like flavor to develop from the leaves. I think, that if done well, it could be amazing. But this particular one is only mediocre. the honey like flavors seem almost spoiled. Here are the tasting notes I jotted down as I drank:
over ripe fruit, astringent, banana peel, honey, soapy. Dark oolong.
I wouldn’t order this again. It’s harsh and unrefined. The flavors are trying to club you over the head and drag you into a cave instead of wooing you with wine and poetry like a real gentleman.
It’s not horrible, but it’s not worth paying for when I know there are better ones out there. I’ll just finish up on my sample and move on. :)
I feel your pain. In my opinion, God’s two greatest gifts to mankind (in the arena of edibles) are honey and milk. I add milk to almost all my black teas and honey to all my greens and Oolongs. In my 30+ years of tea consumption, I have never come across anything that comes close to the effect of adding honey subsequent to the steep. Let me know if you are fortunate enough to find this pot of gold!
I’m actually lactose intolerant, but I love milky oolongs. And I actually don’t like my tea sweetened, but I love honey fragrant oolongs! I guess I’m trying to fix all my problems with oolong. There are probably worse options. I just placed an order with Canton Tea Co for Mi Lan Dan Cong that has been highly recommended to me as THE honey oolong, so maybe the end of the rainbow is closer than we think!
Honey fragrant Oolong is definitely among my favorites too! : )
sorry that does not sound like a real winner…
Reading your comments suddenly gave me a wild idea. Mix this oolong with a milk oolong. Milk and honey oolong! Or paradise oolong! I have to try this!
When you try it, keep us informed. You’ve got the blending bug!