The most distinct of the WFT oolongs for sure. Very complex as others have mentioned. This is the only one that is not a high mountain oolong either. Also a different cultivar (Xue Li = “Snow Pear”). The difference is not only notable in the flavor, but in the liquor as well, which is darker yellow and not as clear as the high mountain oolongs.
Medium bitterness, no astringency. Medium-low sweetness. Aftertaste lasts multiple minutes and is salty and sweet.
Harvest: Spring 2023
Cultivar: Xue Li
Location: Gangkou, Manzhou Township, Taiwan
Dry leaf: Floral, seaweed
Wet leaf: Salt, seaweed
Flavors: Floral, seaweed, fruity, umami, mung bean, vegetal, sweet, salty
Flavors: Floral, Fruity, Mung Bean, Salty, Seaweed, Sweet, Umami, Vegetal
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Interesting! I’ve never had a Gangkou oolong because I was warned away by the bitterness.
There is definitely some mild-moderate bitterness, but it’s not so bad as to take away from the tea in my opinion. And I think I’m fairly sensitive to it. I don’t drink things like coffee or IPAs (and lots of young shengs) because they are too bitter for me :).
I drink both coffee and IPAs on occasion, but don’t enjoy bitterness in my oolongs! Glad it isn’t a deal breaker in this one.
I totally agree! Not generally something I appreciate in any tea, but the occasional touch of bitterness doesn’t bother me much :).
Interesting! I’ve never had a Gangkou oolong because I was warned away by the bitterness.
There is definitely some mild-moderate bitterness, but it’s not so bad as to take away from the tea in my opinion. And I think I’m fairly sensitive to it. I don’t drink things like coffee or IPAs (and lots of young shengs) because they are too bitter for me :).
I drink both coffee and IPAs on occasion, but don’t enjoy bitterness in my oolongs! Glad it isn’t a deal breaker in this one.
I totally agree! Not generally something I appreciate in any tea, but the occasional touch of bitterness doesn’t bother me much :).