I like most oolongs very much but this was a definite treat I discovered at Sereni tea, the cutest little tea store in Mount Shasta which was very well stocked with goodies!
The smell of the leaf in the bag is faintly of cocoa and raisins. I brewed this today in a glass mug with around 180 F water for 3 minutes. The color is a deep rich purply brown. Thankfully I am not getting musk here as I’m not sure how much I would like a musky tea. It is toasty, woody, amber… yes, cinnamon, yes. But there is a fruity element here as well like dark plums or raisins. A bit of lingering sweetness in the finish. A bit toasty. This is the closest tea has ever gotten for me to the experience of having a glass of wine. Very complex and rich with different layers of flavor. This tea is not as smoky as some aged & dark oolongs which would make it more appealing to a wide variety of people. I would recommend it without hesitation. I also think the people who own this little shop were very nice. :)) I do want more, of course! This transcends a mere cup of tea into something glorious.
