90

Shui Xian was on my hit list, and everything else that I tried from Berrylleb has been great. This one kinda disappointed me. I was looking for a sweet, smoky oolong with more of a caramel note, but what I got was more leathery, staunchly oak like, and smokey. This is a good, complex oolong. It’s just not what I was looking for.

Was there something wrong with my steeping? Maybe. I started with a rinse, then proceeded to soak it for 15 seconds. Too faint, so I let it sit another 15. Woodsy, and earthy with a complex shift in fog and smoke. Tried it again and again, finally turning the method into western for about 2 minutes with water closer to 180 degrees F. The sweetness really showed through this time, but again, not the best oolong I’ve had.

I’m probably going to review this one again because of how skewed I just reviewed it. I highly recommend this tea for people who like really woodsy and complex oolongs, but not for anyone who likes naturally sweet teas. If it doesn’t work out the second time, I’ll probably end up selling or trading it. Otherwise, Berrylleb is an awesome vendor that I will purchase from again. I did get this tea a day ahead of shipping predictions after all.

Flavors: Earth, Leather, Mineral, Oak, Sweet, Wet Wood

Preparation
180 °F / 82 °C 0 min, 15 sec 5 g 8 OZ / 236 ML
mrmopar

I like Berrylleb.

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mrmopar

I like Berrylleb.

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Bio

First Off, Current Targets:

Whispering Pines Alice
Good Luxurious Work Teas
Wang Family’s Jasmine Shanlinxi
Spring, Winter Taiwan High Mountain Oolongs

Dislikes: Heavy Tannin, Astringency, Bitterness, or Fake Flavor, Overly herby herbal or aged teas

Picky with: Higher Oxidation Oolongs, Red Oolongs (Some I love, others give me headaches or are almost too sweet), Mint Teas

Currently, my stash is overflowing. Among my favorites are What-Cha’s Lishan Black, Amber Gaba Oolong, Lishan Oolong, Qilan Oolong, White Rhino, Kenya Silver Needle, Tong Mu Lapsang Black (Unsmoked); Whispering Pines Alice, Taiwanese Assam, Wang’s Shanlinxi, Cuifeng, Dayuling, Jasmine Shan Lin Xi; Beautiful Taiwan Tea Co.“Old Style” Dong Ding, Mandala Milk Oolong; Paru’s Milk Oolong

Me:

I am an MSU graduate, and current alternative ed. high school social studies and history teacher. I formerly minored in anthropology, and I love Egyptian and classical history. I love to read, write, draw, paint, sculpt, fence(with a sword), practice calisthenics on rings, lift weights, workout, relax, and drink a cuppa tea…or twenty.

I’ve been drinking green and black teas ever since I was little living in Hawaii. Eastern Asian influence was prominent with my friends and where I grew up, so I’ve been exposed to some tea culture at a young age. I’ve come a long way since I began on steepster and now drink most teas gong fu, especially oolong. Any tea that is naturally creamy, fruity, or sweet without a lot of added flavoring ranks as a must have for me. I also love black teas and dark oolongs with the elusive “cocoa” note. My favorites are lighter Earl Greys, some white teas like What-Cha’s Kenyan offerings, most Hong-Cha’s, darker Darjeelings, almost anything from Nepal, Green Shan Lin Xi’s, and Greener Dong Dings. I’m in the process of trying Alishan’s. I also tend to really enjoy Yunnan Black or Red teas and white teas. I’m pickier with other teas like chamomile, green teas, and Masalas among several.

I used to give ratings, but now I only rate teas that have a strong impression on me. If I really like it, I’ll write it down.

I’ll enjoy a tea almost no matter what, even if the purpose is more medicinal, for it is my truest vice and addiction.

Location

Michigan, USA

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