90

I swear there was a note on here. Well, this was a Gaoshan that I had to try in my lifetime, and since Amanda raved about it on facebook, I had to get myself a small amount. If it weren’t as rare and expensive as it is, I would have more.

The website compares it to a Shan Lin Xi, and it has the fresh green qualities with the tropical fruits and florals amidst a sweeter and creamier texture, being a little closer to a Alishan. I got butterscotch every once in a while, but that is an exaggeration. A more accurate exaggeration is that it is like pineapple taffy…with an undeniable greenness. With that sweetness said, it does have a fresh quality that is akin to those mineral waters you get from hipster-eque places. The green qualities matched with the minerals got me the more “oceanic” qualities, but really, it reminded me of home in Hawaii. Think of a rainbow falling as clouds drift from the green mountains off of Waimanalo Bay. Shan Lin Xi’s are normally sunny, and while this tea is clear, there is something more pensive about it that makes me think of rain.

This tea works well gong fu, but I got sweeter, thicker notes western with 2-3 grams. I’ve also been lazy, but it’s a little too mineral thick and watery gong fu. I do not want to waste my leaves either. I highly recommend this one as I actually liked it more than several Shan Lin XI’s I’ve had lately, and I also recommend this company. As with most oolongs, the only detractor is price. Have your wallets ready, connoisseurs.

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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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