Golden Flower

First of all, this tea is badly named. It is NOT a post-fermented heicha dark tea such as Liubao (as distinct from Pu’erh) bearing tiny “golden flowers” of the fermentation microbe (Aspergillus cristatus, formerly Eurotium cristatum) that many might expect, especially if exploring probiotic teas. Adagio should re-name it. That said, I did read reviews here and knew to expect an oolong before ordering.
Sadly, I must concur with reviewer amandastory516’s evaluation. My sample pack (received a few days ago) tasted of old, stale green tea that had lost 95% of its character. There was some promising aroma during the steep (per Adagio’s directions) and a nice green color, but the taste from the first infusion was okay, if weak and devoid of the many flavors promised. The second infusion had a slight bitterness and cardboard flavor that would have been terrible except for being so washed out. I did not attempt further infusions, would not recommend, and will not buy again this product. I’ll rate it a 40, not even as satisfying as the generic Té negro teabags I bought at a supermarket in Mexico.

I love a green oolong, but this is just not good. Smells like raw pumpkin. Tastes like stale old seaweed. Very dusty/old tasting.

Greenish straw gold color. Water lily and spring water. Gardenia blossom. On the subtle floral side. Creamy, round texture. Some nice light roast notes. Gentle, not too complex. Good savory lasting finish. Not developing in cup.

Sipping this one today before a simple surgery to remove my port in a few hours. I got a sample of this oolong a while back and take it out on occasion. Steeped at 195 degrees for 3 minutes. True to it’s flowery name, it comes through in both aroma and taste. It has a good, slightly thicker mouth feel with a darker green tea color. Tastes best when slowly sipped. Would recommend as an occasional cup.

Once I realized that you could pick from a few Adagio teas to order samples of and still get free shipping. I decided to make a small sample order. These are pretty much one cup samples. This is the first tea I decided to try from Adagio.

I’m really enjoying this one it’s very creamy, very milky, not too heavy unlike a lot of oolongs. I often find that most aren’t everyday drinkers for me because of this. This one is still light enough that it could be an everyday cup. There are some floral notes specifically maybe rose or orchid? Very delicate though and not overpowering. Someone else in the tasting notes for this tea mentioned rice pudding. I can kind of get that. Just from the creamy, sweet, milky flavor of this tea. I wouldn’t have made that comparison on my own though. I get the honeysuckle as well. I wouldn’t mind having some more of this in my cupboard actually. Got about three steeps out of this.

Sample 7/19 – I wish i knew what honeysuckle smelled like, it probably does smell like that. My first guesses were a vaguely watermelon kiwi smell when the leaves were dry. And then after brewing, the smell reminded me of the hot rice-with-milk-and-butter-and-sugar thing my dad would make me when i was sick or requested it. Looks like the internet calls it “hot rice cereal”. I’m nervous to try this if I’m being honest – something about it smells “off”.

First sip: Much better than anticipated! There’s a grassiness that cuts the heavy sweet/floral aroma very nicely. This reminds me a lot of the jasmine tea I like which also freaked me out at first because of how much it smelled like a weird perfume. I could see this one growing on me, but for now I’ll pass on the second steeping

Classic oolong flavor add a slightly better than grocery store tea bag quality. The price is good for what you get. I would recommended to anyone wanting a good starter oolong.

Sweet and floral and not so much vegetal.
Medium-body with creaminess; smooth start turns into a minor tannin after taste.
Careful not to over-brew, can quickly become too astringent.