Ruby Oolong

Yeah, so I have been continuing my green, white, and oolong days as I continue my acupuncture and Chinese herbs treatments. Surprisingly, the transition from black teas has not been all that difficult. I am not giving them up forever, of course, just for the time being to not contradict what is happening in my treatments.

The tough thing for me has been giving up milk, as well as black tea. I find myself craving lovely sweetened chais and good strong tea lattes. I predict I will be breaking down and having one or two some time soon. I do miss them so. I only hope that, when and if, I do break down, the milky cup in front of me will be worth it.

Back from my tangent to this fine tea. Very very lovely.

My first steeping was full of lovely heavy red wine— reminds me of Mondavi vineyards— and chocolate notes. These flavours dissipated in subsequent steepings, but the cups continued to be lovely. Many many steepings later, I am still enjoying the tea.

Drinking this for the second time: was at mom’s house the first and didn’t take notes. I do remember that I enjoyed it the first time too, though!

I’m still quite a new traveler of the oolong territory, but I think I like most of them. This tea is definitely one of the better oolong teas I’ve tried. The aroma is slightly malty and earthy, and reminds me a bit of dark chocolate and cherries (although maybe the tea description just influenced me to expect this!) I’m still not that great at picking out subtle notes in the aroma/flavour, but nevertheless the aroma is hearty and satisfying.

I find the flavour to be quite the same as the aroma: slightly malty, earthy, with subtle hints of other flavours that mix really well with each other. It is not overpowering or bitter, and overall enjoyable to drink!

The past few months I have been enjoying a wide variety of Oolong teas, from very green lightly toasted varieties to the deeply roasted and highly oxidized varieties. I first tried this Ruby Oolong from Thailand in a small sampler, then in a larger quantity when I fell in love with the rich flavors, beautiful color and enticing aroma. It is a very comforting tea, reminding me a bit of very good quality Da Hong Pao (Big Red Robe), but with interesting notes of cacao and dried black cherry in the background. A very pleasant and adaptable tea that everyone seems to like.

An organic oolong from Northern Thailand a must try for oolong lovers!! For images to experience the region and crafting of this rare tea visit our travelogue here http://www.rishi-tea.com/product/doi-mae-salong-autumn-oolong/travelogue