80
drank Lala Mountain by Grand Crew
1704 tasting notes

I went back to oolong basics gong fu time , rinsing 10 sec, then 20, 25, 30, 25, 30, 35, 30, 40 continuing right now just under boiling. What I did different was the water ratio. I used about 3 grams and 2-3 oz of water for the first 3 brews, and then upped it to 4 oz, then 5 oz filling the cup. I got the same notes I wrote down in the first session, but the tea was a lot more balanced since I gave the leaves some room to breath. More fruit came out earlier, but was still on the subtle side building up into the later end of the session. I stand by what I said last time in that I think it was better than the Lishan, maybe slightly better than the Shanlinxi. I might have changed my mind if I used the careful parameters I did for this tea for the other high mountain teas.

Overall, this one’s a solid High Mountain and a bargain for Lalashan. It’s easy drinking and very clean in quality. In my personal opinion, Grand Crew’s more unusual tea types are better than the Taiwanese staples of Alishan, Lishan, and Shanlinxi. I’d recommend them for fast shipping and opening up your horizons on what they have to offer for a good price. In the US, they have a $25 or over shipping rate, and my tea arrived in less than 6 days from Taiwan…which was speedy. I tried checking the Canadian, and it didn’t say much other than the difference of speed between Express and Standard-nothing on prices/cost of shipping. I think I might have gotten Express Shipping with the Oolongdrunk10 code or the over 25 buck order.

Leafhopper

I also checked for info on their shipping rates to Canada, but couldn’t find any. I’ll keep them in mind, if only for that Lishan White.

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Leafhopper

I also checked for info on their shipping rates to Canada, but couldn’t find any. I’ll keep them in mind, if only for that Lishan White.

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First Off, Current Targets:

Whispering Pines Alice
Good Luxurious Work Teas
Wang Family’s Jasmine Shanlinxi
Spring, Winter Taiwan High Mountain Oolongs

Dislikes: Heavy Tannin, Astringency, Bitterness, or Fake Flavor, Overly herby herbal or aged teas

Picky with: Higher Oxidation Oolongs, Red Oolongs (Some I love, others give me headaches or are almost too sweet), Mint Teas

Currently, my stash is overflowing. Among my favorites are What-Cha’s Lishan Black, Amber Gaba Oolong, Lishan Oolong, Qilan Oolong, White Rhino, Kenya Silver Needle, Tong Mu Lapsang Black (Unsmoked); Whispering Pines Alice, Taiwanese Assam, Wang’s Shanlinxi, Cuifeng, Dayuling, Jasmine Shan Lin Xi; Beautiful Taiwan Tea Co.“Old Style” Dong Ding, Mandala Milk Oolong; Paru’s Milk Oolong

Me:

I am an MSU graduate, and current alternative ed. high school social studies and history teacher. I formerly minored in anthropology, and I love Egyptian and classical history. I love to read, write, draw, paint, sculpt, fence(with a sword), practice calisthenics on rings, lift weights, workout, relax, and drink a cuppa tea…or twenty.

I’ve been drinking green and black teas ever since I was little living in Hawaii. Eastern Asian influence was prominent with my friends and where I grew up, so I’ve been exposed to some tea culture at a young age. I’ve come a long way since I began on steepster and now drink most teas gong fu, especially oolong. Any tea that is naturally creamy, fruity, or sweet without a lot of added flavoring ranks as a must have for me. I also love black teas and dark oolongs with the elusive “cocoa” note. My favorites are lighter Earl Greys, some white teas like What-Cha’s Kenyan offerings, most Hong-Cha’s, darker Darjeelings, almost anything from Nepal, Green Shan Lin Xi’s, and Greener Dong Dings. I’m in the process of trying Alishan’s. I also tend to really enjoy Yunnan Black or Red teas and white teas. I’m pickier with other teas like chamomile, green teas, and Masalas among several.

I used to give ratings, but now I only rate teas that have a strong impression on me. If I really like it, I’ll write it down.

I’ll enjoy a tea almost no matter what, even if the purpose is more medicinal, for it is my truest vice and addiction.

Location

Michigan, USA

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