Brenden’s description of it sold me yet again! Though, I think the “even a hint of plumeria” might have had deeper intentions…Anyway, the notes that Brenden used were precise and accurate, especially in the smell. It reminded me so much of Ko’Olina. The plumeria and cream scent accented by the fresh grass matched the scent on the lagoons air. I also drank coconut milk and ate pineapples by the gallons back then. The taste is the same brewed gong fu. It also was very similar to Mandala’s Milk Oolong, which is a powerful achievement. The creamy aspect is almost identical, though Mandala’s is much thicker. The color blooms into a vibrant, golden yellow glowing with green under hues. Absolutely gorgeous.
My main criticism is over the tea’s delicacy. As with any milk oolong, or most of Whispering Pines Tea for that matter, a lot of attention is required in the brewing. When I brewed steep two four seconds over what was supposed to be ten, the vegetal notes overwhelmed the others entirely. Again, gong gu is something to be mastered-“skilled art” for a reason. The tea would have been significantly better if I brewed it correctly-and it was when I did-but it demands so much care and attention to minutiae. Many people would like this tea because it’s so good, but someone with expertise and or a great attention to detail would be able to fully enjoy this, or be able to serve it.
This tea is so high maintenance, but it could potentially be one of my favorites from Whispering Pines. I need to try it again.
Flavors: Coconut, Cream, Flowers, Freshly Cut Grass, Milk, Pineapple, Sweet, Vegetal
