I was surprised how fast I got my Taiwan Sourcing Order. I got this with a lovely note and everything fell into perfect alignment. I’ve been wanting to try some of the higher elevation jade oolongs from Taiwan Sourcing, yet hesitate because of price. Even 25 grams can be a little bit much for a sample for me.
But Taiwan Sourcing, or Scott (I think), granted me this generous gem. I wonder if he’s been watching me on Steepster because this pick is definitely the kind I prefer. So far, Qing Xin’s have been the tea varietal that I can drink without any complaint. They always remind me of tropical fruit or crisper fruits like apples, pineapples, peaches, or pears. Shan Lin Xi’s are what LP hooked me too when I began my tea journey. Now here’s some more from a much higher elevation with a name of mythological proportions: Long Feng Xia, or “The Valley of Phoenix and Dragon.”
The first smell dry leaf is what I’m used to: fruity and green. The first steep is fruity and floral. The first 15 second brew yielded more florals with fruit. There was a bit of a fresh woodsiness that I guess is the bamboo. I’m so used to the dry bamboo taste of Dan Congs that I forgot how floral that sensation could be.
The second steep at about 18 seconds was fruity and floral, as in creamy fruit and light creamy florals with a honey nectar sweetness. Then a huge wave of euphoria came over me. I couldn’t help but smile. It’s like all my knots from lifting weights dissappated, and every breath launched a mist of endorphins. I awkardly stumbled putting my right foot in front of my left. Then I go to look at the description on the website, and every description suggested strong qi and tea drunkenness. I was officially tea drunk.
It’s been a while since I got tea drunk from a green oolong. It’s continuing from steep three at 23 seconds and four at 32. In terms of taste, it’s more fruity, but with the recognizable florals in the back ground. Still creamy, pungent, and nectary.
I’m not quite sure how to describe the fruitiness this has other than nectar. It’s juicy, but also very light. It distinctly reminds me of a stronger version of the BTTC Misty Mountain but in a Gong Fu form.
45 seconds. Green Fruity, light nectar with a hint more tea drunkenness.
One minute, light fruit, green, and grassy.
2 min, floral, green grassy.
3 min, floral and grassy.
I’m more than thankful that I sampled this tea. It was one of the higher end oolongs, or higher end at least for me, and I am gladly savoring it.Flavors: Creamy, Fruit Tree Flowers, Fruity, Honey, Nectar
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Both the tea and the review sound divine. A lovely experience all round.
Agreed, great write up and sounds like a great tea. I got a “Cui Luan” winter ‘14 with my order recently. Haven’t tried it yet but the dry aroma is wonderful. Gotta agree about the Qing Xin cultivar, its just beautiful.
I’ve always wanted to try the Cui Luan! That’s ironic. I’m getting some from that area soon, but darn! I’ll have to ask for a sample of it next time I order Taiwan Sourcing.
Evol Ving Ness, here’s the link on the website. The three reviews on bottom of the description are normally accurate. http://taiwanoolongs.com/products/long-feng-xia-high-mountain-jade-oolong-tea-winter-2014
Like I said, it was a generous sample.
I can’t wait to see what you get ccr. The descriptions of Cui Luan/Ruan are always interesting. There’s two words that I’ve seen describe them, but I won’t right them until later.
Both the tea and the review sound divine. A lovely experience all round.
Agreed, great write up and sounds like a great tea. I got a “Cui Luan” winter ‘14 with my order recently. Haven’t tried it yet but the dry aroma is wonderful. Gotta agree about the Qing Xin cultivar, its just beautiful.
I’ve always wanted to try the Cui Luan! That’s ironic. I’m getting some from that area soon, but darn! I’ll have to ask for a sample of it next time I order Taiwan Sourcing.
Evol Ving Ness, here’s the link on the website. The three reviews on bottom of the description are normally accurate. http://taiwanoolongs.com/products/long-feng-xia-high-mountain-jade-oolong-tea-winter-2014
Like I said, it was a generous sample.
I can’t wait to see what you get ccr. The descriptions of Cui Luan/Ruan are always interesting. There’s two words that I’ve seen describe them, but I won’t right them until later.