3 Tasting Notes

92
drank Milk Oolong by Mandala Tea
3 tasting notes

I purchased an ounce of this in my most recent order, and am coming to regret not getting more than I did. Having tried two other milk oolongs, and finding them dissatisfying due to the artificial flavor, there was some hesitance in ordering it. However, this tea was pleasantly smooth and comforting. The initial brew, or rinse if you do that to your oolong, presents a noticeable aroma similar to milk. After a few steeps the tea progressed from heavier cream, dairy, and viscous consistency to a lighter floral flavor I find in some Tieguanyin. It was an excellent tea and held up to several brews in my gaiwan. I will be ordering a larger quantity next time as this tea accompanies my night of Richard Dawkins literature well.

Preparation
180 °F / 82 °C 0 min, 15 sec 2 tsp 5 OZ / 162 ML

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88

This Wuyi is certainly a new one to me. The spicy flavor, or sensation, was present in the first cup during Gong Fu session but became more reminiscent of cinnamon after the second infusion. Light mineral taste and milky notes alongside a pleasant viscosity. Warming and relaxing qualities make it very suitable for post-work or pre-bedtime tea that won’t overstimulate the mind or stomach.
Each subsequent infusion evoked more cinnamon and milky quality with soft, sweet undertones. With initial 15 second infusions at 195 degrees Fahrenheit and gradually increased steeping times this tea provided eight infusions without compromising flavor.

Flavors: Almond, Cinnamon, Milk, Mineral

Preparation
195 °F / 90 °C 0 min, 15 sec

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86
drank GABA Black by Mandala Tea
3 tasting notes

This is the first tea I have tried from Mandala, it was sent as a sample in my order, and I’m pleasantly surprised by the complexity and flavor of the tea. There are muscatel notes, lightly sweet aftertaste (which evolves into Hui Gan in subsequent infusions), aromatic and flavorful notes reminiscent of decaying wood and forest, and an ostensible fresh baked bread taste.
Being fond of black tea I would certainly recommend this to anyone that enjoys smoother, less bitter black teas for late morning and early evening hours.
The Gamma-Aminobutyric Acid (GABA) content is uplifting and warming, and personally makes me slightly lightheaded , but in a pleasant “tea-drunk” way.
Unfortunately I’m short on time while writing this, and cannot do the tea justice, but this is certainly for tea drinkers that want afternoon, and possibly nighttime, black teas that provide an excellent flavor and experience.

Flavors: Bread, Decayed Wood, Roasted Nuts, Sweet, Vegetal, Wet wood

Preparation
195 °F / 90 °C 0 min, 30 sec
Garret

I think your review did just fine in the justice dept on this tea. I’m happy you are enjoying it. We brew this one up quite a bit in the tea shop. It is an interesting departure from many other black teas.

I also enjoy the hint of sourness that comes across in this one. The leaf used for this black tea is a tie guan yin varietal and if you are into tie guan yin oolong, you are familiar with that slight sourness present in the tea liquor.

Tea is a damn good time, isn’t it?

Thanks for taking the time to write up your experience with this tea, my friend!

With gratitude,
Garret

Terri HarpLady

Welcome to Steepster Jakob!
Nice review!
:)

Jakob

I actually enjoy the slightly sour taste in the brew, and I recognize it from tie guan yin that I’ve had before, but I’m more of a wuyi oolong fan myself. :) Da hong pao and Shui Xian are actually two of my favorite oolongs.
Tea is an excellent time! Thank you both for your positive comments. I anticipate a good review when I receive my shipment of special dark pu’erh and take some notes on the Rou Gui oolong that I purchased from Mandala.

Terri HarpLady

Oh yeah…special dark… :)

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Student. Enjoys tea, nature walks, and hikes. Spends time Identifying plants and animals. Favorite seasons are Autumn and Spring.

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