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Originally developed to mimic the fruity notes of Darjeeling Second Flush, Oriental Beauty has since become a tea that stands tall on its own merit. Also known as Eastern Beauty, Bai Hao Oolong and White-Tipped Oolong, Oriental Beauty is a dark oxidation oolong with wiry leaves and the occasional fuzzy tea bud. Woodsy, spicy dry aromas evolve into an enchantingly sweet copper-colored brew. Aromas of fruit, flowers, spice and wood carry through into the smooth, round, full flavor, which features notes of rose, plum and cedar. The aftertaste is accented with flavors of rosewater and cardamom, making it a great choice for pairing with Indian or Moroccan dishes. It’s also delicious on its own or paired with white chocolate and hazelnut truffles or cedar plank grilled kabobs of sweet potato and lamb.
I was craving an oolong this morning and I managed to dig up this sample I got from TeaEqualsBliss a while ago.
mmm, this is really hitting the spot. It’s slightly woodsy and a bit sweet. I’d say it reminds me of raisins, but more like the golden raisins you sometimes get. Or a slight bit of apricot too. Anyway, this is really hitting the spot this morning. I’ve had this for months and can’t believe I forgot to review it. :)
Thanks LiberTEAs!!!!
I cannot believe this one isn’t listed on Steepster yet!
This is a cross between your stereotypical darjeeling flavor and a sturdy oolong flavor paired with nature in mind…a combo of floral and sweeter-woodsy notes! Towards the end of the sip I could pick up on the fruity highlights and they are lovely!
This is a wonderful tasting tea!
An awesome Oolong! Beautifully woodsy and sweet with fruit and floral notes. A hint of nutty flavor in the background. A wonderfully complex Oriental Beauty. The lightly spiced taste reminds me of the warm flavors of fall while the crisp floral notes and sweet fruit notes remind me of the beauty of summer as its final moments come to a close. A lovely tea to sip as summer ends and my favorite season – autumn – begins!
Finally!! I have tried the following oolongs w/no satisfaction: milk oolong from Puritea, Plum Oolong from Teas, Etc. , Chicago Tea Gardens competition grade, and Upton’s Formosan oolong. Either they seemed tasteless or too subtle or too vegetative- but finally! This is an oolong that I like.
As it is more highly oxidized- that could be the trick- to bring out the flavors. But there is a subtle floral flavor in this – almost like rosewater- really rosewater- But do not be wary if you don’t like jasmine or other perfumed teas- this is quite a subtle, subtle , sophisticated flavor.
This tea has a drying/astringent feel to the mouth but nothing that requires sugar or milk to conceal. As soon as I opened the screw top tin, a floral aroma wafted to my nose- (and I am not sensitive to smells)…
But this is very wonderful! And I am quite suprised I am the first to review this one on Steepster….
Blog: http://amazonv.teatra.de/2013/01/23/thepuritea-loose-leaf-oolong-tea-oriental-beauty-tea/
Steep Information:
Amount: 4-5 tsp
Water: 1000ml at 195°F
Tool: Breville One-Touch Tea Maker BTM800XL
Steep Time: 2 minutes
Served: Hot
Tasting Notes:
Dry Leaf Smell: toasty, floral, sweet
Steeped Tea Smell: floral, toasty, woody
Flavor: toasty, woody
Body: Light
Aftertaste: sweet
Liquor: translucent light yellow-green
true to the description it is reminiscent of a Darjeeling.
Post-Steep Additives:
1000ml at 195°F for 2 minutes and 30 seconds
slightly fuller body
still smooth and woody with a floral smell
Rating: 3/4 leaves
A lovely, smooth oolong! The aroma is mostly woodsy to me, but I thought I detected some raisin-y in the background. Not astringent at all. Made a surprisingly dark brew! Thank you to Lori for this sample!
