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“I had this for the third time a couple of days ago. The first two times I drank it, I made it western, and last time gong fu. I delayed writing a note because it is nothing like my first Ruby 18 or...” Read full tasting note
“This is quite tasty! Even though it’s plain, it has a deep flavor that’s pretty nice! Definitely one of the better straight teas I’ve had in a long time.” Read full tasting note
This is from the Ruby 18 tea bush in Taiwan. It is a cross between a Taiwanese oolong and Assam black tea plant. This makes for an oolong that brews darker and with more body or a black tea that is a bit lighter than normal and with the nice fruity flavors of an oolong. Your call!
Since 1983 Harney & Sons has been the source for fine teas. We travel the globe to find the best teas and accept only the exceptional. We put our years of experience to work to bring you the best Single-Estate teas, and blends beyond compare.
I had this for the third time a couple of days ago. The first two times I drank it, I made it western, and last time gong fu.
I delayed writing a note because it is nothing like my first Ruby 18 or any others I have had since. My first was from A Southern Season. It was supposed to be black tea, but when I steeped it, it was pale yellow. I had even forgotten to time it! I was sure I had done something wrong, as these were my early tea drinking days. In spite of oversteeping, it was marvelous. I kept it on hand as long as they were open and had it in stock.
With excitement I ordered this one (rather expensive as good Ruby 18 can be) using mostly my reward points, and… it is good, but it is not remotely like the one from A Southern Season. It looks like black tea, tastes like black tea. It is good, but it isn’t what I was expecting.
Since I was a little put out at the difference between the old and new Western, I made it gong fu last time and it steeped more times than any regular black tea I have done, not counting ripe puerh. It was good with our dessert, so I will accept it for its positive points and not dwell on the fact that it is not what I expected.
