The smoky aroma of this tea is captivating: not too overwhelming (in other words, it doesn’t smell like a campfire), just enough to inspire cozy, toasty thoughts.
Cozy and toasty are words that I would use to describe the flavor of this amazingly complex tea as well. It has a very comforting flavor to it: slightly smoky but more of a “roasty-toasty” taste than smoke.
This “roasty-toasty” essence brings out the sweet, nutty flavor to this tea. In the background, I can taste a note of fruit – peaches? It almost tastes like peaches that have been cooked over a fire to a caramelized sweetness. I am also getting the raisin note as mentioned in the description.
There is very little astringency to this cup, and no bitterness. There is a hint of sour that hits right at the end of the sip, as if to cut through some of the sweeter tones, giving it a sort of “sweet-and-sour” kind of quality. It is a very rustic tea, but at the same time, it has a refinement that tea enthusiasts want in a tea.
Zhi Tea describes this tea as
Noted for its weight loss properties, this tea is also a truly enjoyable drinking tea. This rare and unique oolong from the Wuyi Mountains in the Fuijan Province of China consists of medium oxidized, unrolled amber brown leaf with greenish highlights. A sophisticated dark amber liquor reveals flavors of raisins and toasted almonds. A simply outstanding loose-leaf tea for the health conscious connoisseur. Also known as wu-long. The real thing. Highest grade. USDA Organic.
The toasty character of this tea gives it a very autumnal feel and inspires thoughts of curling up with a good book in front of a roaring fire in the fireplace. It’s very soothing and comforting.
I have been very impressed with the quality of teas that I have purchased from Zhi Teas and this one is no exception. This is a truly delightful Oolong!
Comment by March 19, 2011 @ 10:34 pm
Pu Erh Tee said:
I like smoky to the degree where it’s smoky in the nose and on the tongue – but in the back of my neck, I want it round. Together with the sweet-and-sour combination this sounds really tempting
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