I was pleasantly surprised by this tea. I threw the oolong sampler into my cart to meet the $50 free shipping limit, but I didn’t have very high expectations. Adagio is a solid company with some good flavored teas, but I certainly wasn’t expecting their pure teas to be so top-notch. In fact, this is a lot better than any of the blends/flavored teas I’ve had from them (except for the Thai Chai, which is heavenly).
There are definite floral notes, orchid most likely. I’m not overly familiar with orchid scented teas but that is what this seems like going off of other notes. It’s less overpowering than jasmine and it’s also got a strong, sweet honey flavor that hits you in the back of the throat. It’s perfume-y all the way through the sip too, unlike many other floral teas I’ve had where it’s just prominent when it first hits your tongue. I am also getting a mellow citrus feeling as it cools, mandarin orange or clementine. It’s a very crisp cup, though I increased the water temperature for the second steep and got more malty notes.
EDIT: That floral note is violet! It’s reminiscent of those violet candies you get in the pretty purple wrapper. There’s also a bit of “wet grass after a spring rain” taste going on in the 3rd steep…. they really need to make a perfume that smells like this tea, it’s so elegant.
