Tie Guan Yin (Oolong Tea) sampler by Zen Tea

A review of Tie Guan Yin Oolong Tea by Zen Tea

Date: 10/16/2012
Company: Zen Tea
Tea Name: Tie Guan Yin Oolong Tea
Tea Type/Varietal: Oolong
Region: China
Steeping Vessel/Amt. Leaf: cup/ loose leaf
Plucking Season:
Liquor Color: very light brown
Leaf Characteristics: leaf are dark green and when steeped they are darker still and smells very strongly of greens.

1st Steeping:
Water temperature: 190 Fahrenheit
Time: 3 minutes

Note: I wanted to try this tea again and again; as I had been drinking it throughout the day prior. I realized with more steeps the complexity in the tea evolves more with multiple infusions. I was able to taste some of the vanilla essence that is to be found in the cup but not with the first infusion. I would say with the 3rd, 4th cup of tea I could discern less of the smoky aroma and find that fruity quality that this oolong has.

I was able to experience this only as the tea cooled down in my cup. As I took sip after sip, it seemed to be lighter with a sweet orchid like taste and finally of vanilla bean like; or the essence that is to be found in vanilla extract.

The tea bag oolong that I had needs to be steep/boiled to be appreciated and yet with the loose leaves, once the boiled water is added to the tea, it is the multiple steeps and the cooling down effect that allows for the tea’s complex layering to come through.

Warm sunshiney and floral

I had a sample of this Oolong at a tea festival! It’s simply beautiful. Very refreshing with hints of fruit, floral, and smoke. Goes down smoothly!