Just to be clear my package reads: Big Red Robe Supreme Grade Light Roast Oolong Tea, the title for this tea on here says Premium grade. I apologize if I am posting this in the wrong place, but seemed close enough to me.
I am often in awe when I read other steepster reviews that include detailed tasting notes of each steep, and the subtle changes in flavor that occur between the different steeps of a tea. I am no where near educated enough, have a refined palate enough, nor have the vocabulary to be able to provide one of those reviews. I have come to the realization that I am as much about “how a tea makes me feel” as I am about “how it tastes”.
I’ve been exploring the world of oolongs lately and have tried a few of them. Some of them are “green” – I think grassy (some say floral – I don’t get that) and maybe a bit veggie ish. Others are “dark” and are more toasty, nutty, with some being almost metalic (?). I’ve decided that I like the “dark” ones better.
I’m currently drinking my third steep of this tea and the leaves are not completely unfurled yet. I don’t think I have time to give this tea the number of steeps that it deserves. :(( This is the best example of a “dark” oolong that I’ve tried. There is no doubt in my mind that this is a quality tea. I just don’t think it’s dark enough. This almost seems like it’a halfway between a green and a dark. Maybe that’s the “light roast” part of it? Like I said I’m not experienced enough to know if that’s a fair assessment, but that’s how I feel. It’s not “grassy or veggy ish” it’s more roasty and nutty, but light and delicate. It’s smooth and soothing, gentle and pleasing. This is for sure one of the best oolongs that I’ve drank, I just wish it were a bit more…. Bit more what? Woody? Not sure… I really like this, I just think maybe I didn’t choose wisely for my tastes (yeah like I know what my tastes are), I’ve ordered the fancy grade dark roast version of this. :)) Maybe that will be my PERFECT oolong, but until then, I am quite happy with this, and will certainly enjoy the package that I have.
As always, thank you Mandala for providing me with an excellent tea to spend my evening with.
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Learning to navigate the oolong ocean is tricky, and if I had to do it again…I’d order sample sizes of lots of different oolongs to find my way. The roastiest strong fire almost tastes charcoal…and truth is, some oolongs taste like buttered flowers. Loads of adventure!
Bonnie, that’s totally my plan re:oolongs. Order a whole bunch and drink in succession, more or less. The question for me is — or for you, really — will I know if the difference I’m tasting is the oolong or the flavour? Maybe I should drink straight ones then…
hi! Thanks for writing down your thoughts on this, my friend! Yes… this leaf is a less oxidized leaf, which will lean toward the greener flavors rather than the roastier qualities of the dark DHP, and as you steep it, you definitely see the green in the leaf, unlike the more oxidized “dark roast”. Can’t wait for you to try the dark. Sounds like it’ll be right up your alley, eh?!
I would absolutely drink straight oolongs. I have a few blends that have oolong in them ie…Earl of Anxi from Verdant, but no “flavored” oolongs. In my opinion, you would never ever flavor a fine oolong, only an inferior quality oolong.
You’ll get an allelujah from me on that, Bonnie! Straight, pure leaf, no fluff, no fillers!
But butiki has such yummy flavours for oolong!
She uses natural fruit or flavors which makes a difference and Stacy uses good quality oolong but not premium. There would be a clash of flavors masking the peach or other flavors she’s adding. Blending requires a cooperative base.
Verdant’s Early Spring Tieguanyin is super floral! Have you tried it?
I have the autumn Tieguanyin but haven’t tried it yet. So many teas so little time….
The main thing is not to worry so much about what “tastes” are in it but to enjoy it the way it is intended to be.. It taste good!
Learning to navigate the oolong ocean is tricky, and if I had to do it again…I’d order sample sizes of lots of different oolongs to find my way. The roastiest strong fire almost tastes charcoal…and truth is, some oolongs taste like buttered flowers. Loads of adventure!
Bonnie, that’s totally my plan re:oolongs. Order a whole bunch and drink in succession, more or less. The question for me is — or for you, really — will I know if the difference I’m tasting is the oolong or the flavour? Maybe I should drink straight ones then…
hi! Thanks for writing down your thoughts on this, my friend! Yes… this leaf is a less oxidized leaf, which will lean toward the greener flavors rather than the roastier qualities of the dark DHP, and as you steep it, you definitely see the green in the leaf, unlike the more oxidized “dark roast”. Can’t wait for you to try the dark. Sounds like it’ll be right up your alley, eh?!
I would absolutely drink straight oolongs. I have a few blends that have oolong in them ie…Earl of Anxi from Verdant, but no “flavored” oolongs. In my opinion, you would never ever flavor a fine oolong, only an inferior quality oolong.
You’ll get an allelujah from me on that, Bonnie! Straight, pure leaf, no fluff, no fillers!
But butiki has such yummy flavours for oolong!
She uses natural fruit or flavors which makes a difference and Stacy uses good quality oolong but not premium. There would be a clash of flavors masking the peach or other flavors she’s adding. Blending requires a cooperative base.
Verdant’s Early Spring Tieguanyin is super floral! Have you tried it?
I have the autumn Tieguanyin but haven’t tried it yet. So many teas so little time….
The main thing is not to worry so much about what “tastes” are in it but to enjoy it the way it is intended to be.. It taste good!