Oolong tea is primarily grown in Taiwan (Formosa) or the Fujian province of China. Its production involves brief exposure to sunlight for oxidation, more so than green tea but less so than black tea. As with green and black teas, much variation exists within the oolong category.
For this tea review, I’m using Formosa Oolong Choicest purchased from Upton Tea Imports prepared in my new lazy person’s gaiwan tea set from Amazon (featured in the image above). It’s been a while since I’ve had oolong tea. You might even say it’s been too long.
This is a nice, mellow tea — from the delicate honey-like aroma to the mild flavors of pear, plum, and honey in the liquor. From the soft, light-tan color to the smooth finish, this is one soothing tea. Three infusions later, this oolong still satisfies.
One final word about my new tea set. I’ve forgotten what a difference apparatus can make in the enjoyment of tea, or maybe I never knew. My desire for exploring new teas (and possibly investing in a quality gong fu set someday) has been renewed.
Oolong Tea is revered in Chinese tea culture. It is traditionally drunk at blessing ceremonies guided by a tea master, with an elaborate formal ritual around how it is prepared, served and drunk. Of course, Oolong is also enjoyed outside of ceremonial events. It pairs well with many Asian foods or can be enjoyed alone as a top-notch alternative to your regular cuppa. Its robust but not overpowering flavour works excellently as an iced tea too.