It wasn’t until recently that I enjoyed my first cup of Oolong Tea. I often chuckle when I reminisce about my complete lack of knowledge of the world of tea. The more I learn, I realize how much I do not know. So many varieties… brewing techniques… terminology… distinguishing characteristics… it is mind boggling. Admittedly, it’s always difficult to decide what new tea to order. I am sure you can imagine the internal debate I experienced when vacillating between whether or not to order Champagne Oolong. Yet how could I not resist?
Composition: According to the manufacturer’s packaging, rare, top grade, entirely handmade Wulong (also known as Oolong or Wu long) tea.
Dry Visual: A mixture of brown and dark green curling leaves with hints of light green and tan leaves.
Dry Aroma: I am reminded of the woods after a refreshing rain.
Flavor: Unexpectedly crisp and clean. Champagne Oolong is naturally sweet with a slight floral taste. I enjoyed two infusions. During the first I drank half without sweetener and the other half with honey. I believe the honey distorted the flavor so I drank the second infusion pure - with no sweetener. There is no hint of bitterness, but a hint of dryness. Champagne Oolong is simply delicious.
Liquor: A rich dark amber hue with hints of red.
Brewing Time: Recommended brewing time is 2 - 3 minutes and of course I brewed for 3 minutes during the first infusion. The second infusion required brewing for 10 minutes to retain the flavor of the first infusion. (I did taste at 5 and 7 minutes.)
Manufacturer: Dragonwater.
Caffeine: Yes.
By far I believe this is my favorite Oolong. The taste is incomparable and I would certainly drink over and over again. You must try it for yourself, I would love to hear your thoughts.
Until my next review… Happy Tea Drinking!
You have tried quite a few oolongs lately, so saying that this is your favorite of the lot is really saying something. I do so enjoy a good oolong. Perhaps I will have to give Dragonwater some of my business.
Order placed! I’m a huge fan of oolongs as well, having also recently had my first cup! A good friend that owns an asian bistro in my town introduced me to oolongs and I’ve never gone back! I’ve been drinking Ti Kuan Yin from RoT lately.
Oolongs can be wonderful… there’s so many options with them. I’ll have to give theirs a try.
I tried to comment on the teaswap post but it denied me. It’s a great idea, and I’ll pass the info on to my tea peeps.
Book of Tea,
I was quite surprised the first time I drank this Oolong. I had to drink three cups before I finally posted about it. I just couldn’t find the right words to describe it.
Tea,
Please come back and let me know what you thought about the Champagne Oolong. I am anxious to see if you loved it as much as I did.
Summer,
Thanks for the “heads up” about your inability to comment on the tea swap post. I’ll have to check the post to make sure I didn’t do something silly like “turn off comments.” Thanks for passing the information on to your tea peeps! (I like that… tea peeps.)
By the say, I wanted you to know that I really enjoyed your Sloth Tea - I’m just behind in my posting - as usual.