Hunan Hongda Tea Co.

The loose leaves for this tea look delicious! Bright green and unmistakably long (about 3/4 inch to an inch). The leaves actually remind me of a Japanese bancha in look, but roughly double the length. There are some stems in this tea which produces a dry aroma I find reminiscent of light garlic and butter.

Once brewed the leaves produce a wonderfully light, bright and clear yellow liquor. The brewed aroma is light and smooth with faint vegetal hints.

On the palate the brew is equally smooth and soft. Not as meaty as an oolong, but not thin like a rooibos either. The flavors play lightly on the tongue with almost no astingency. There’s some dryness in the top of the throat and hints of vegetables sauteed in butter.

For an oolong this tea’s leaves are very dark. Much more reminiscent of a black tea than an oolong. The leaves are large, roughly an inch in length on average and twisted not balled. The aroma is lightly fired and every so slightly floral.

A wonderful amber liquor results from steeping the leaves. The infused aroma remains light and roasty and reminds me a bit of a Hojicha.

On the tongue fired notes emerge accompanied by some astringency and the slightest lip pucker. The tail is very light and lingers only a little while but causes the palate to yearn for more.