Overpriced sachet splurge, but on a local American company from Michigan. For an easy working oolong, it’s been working, and I was pleasantly surprised.
The description is pretty spot on, but I’m actually curious about what the real oxidation. The leaf quality is pretty good and almost on point to some Lupicia for how intact the leaf is, but the thing that was interesting to me that this was more on the fruity side of Baozhongs. It’s not real heavy, but it’s more stone fruit or even red fruit. It struck me as vaguely canteloup like, but there’s some subtlety that makes it hard for me to narrow down.
The tea is definitely green, floral, and dominated by orchid like most Baozhongs are, but the fruit and creamy elements makes this have some resemblance to an Alishan Jin Xuan. I’m still guessing it’s a qing xin because it’s fruity enough to be one, but there’s enough fruity ness to make me think this has something else going on with it.
I’ve only done it western and in giant 16 oz mugs. It takes decently to longer steeping times in the mug, but it’s not quite as strong as it could be. It does well in a teapot or in a smaller serving. I have had to back off on the temperature a little bit-the heat can drown out the more subtle notes I love about this kind of tea.
Overall, I’m really excited to have some on hand from a company nearby my hometown. They’ve expanded their catalogue with some GABA and Jin Xuan, which you don’t see super often in sachet form, but it’s good. I will also say their watermelon oolongs are worth checking out too, especially for some excellent cold brews. As for this one, it’s my go to easy work oolong for now. Even one of my students really liked it-granted, she is nerdy enough to have her own tea pet.
Flavors: Creamy, Floral, Fruity, Green, Lemongrass, Melon, Milk, Orchids, Red Fruits, Sweet, Warm Grass
Their Watermelon Oolong is soooooooo watermelony! Don’t let it languish though, as the flavor does fade, but while fairly fresh it is super fruity good.
I plowed through the last box and will likely finish this one before July. I actually liked it both hot and cold. The Golden Monkey I have has been languishing along with the Dong Ding…and Earl the Great. I’m not quite as concerned with those because they are darker teas, but thank you! I am also half tempted to get the Trappist Monk blend, but I don’t know since it is a darker Assam based tea.
Oh, I haven’t tried their Golden Monkey, don’t think they had it back when I ordered. I may need to take a look at that one!
It’s okay sachet. It does have a little bit of peachiness, but the tea was kinda flat.