Testimonials & user reviews

l and taste I associate with the cultivar-- which I'd personally call a "tart fruit" note, but others might find more floral --but it's not the tea's only merit. There's some sweetness that reminds me of a good Taiwanese oolong, the tea has good body, and both the initial rinse and "stewed leaf" steeps after the tea has given its best are pleasant to drink. And at no point does the brewed infusion smell like a bubble bath, even at questionably high ratios. (If that sounds like a non-sequitur to anyone reading, I hope you continue to successfully avoid questionable tea.)
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ted from the leaves. It resists turning bitter or losing clarity in the flavors even when brewed in a thermos and left to steep for a few hours. It doesn't turn a hazy, dark green, nor does it taste like a freshly mowed lawn. Instead, the soup is a beautifully clear and bright gold color. It's creamy and doughy, with a flavor profile that seems to billow up off the tongue and out through the nose. I get similar sensations from high-grade matcha, and it's nice to find them here in something much more cost-effective. The flavors are balanced. I get some mildly sweet florals, some heavy creamy-umami qualities that linger on the palate well into the aftertaste, as well as some mushroom-and-seaweed like notes. I'm strongly reminded of sea lettuce (Ulva lactuca), although I could see nori or kombu being notes in here as well. The aromatics lifting off the fully-brewed leaves reminds me of saltwater - not fishy, and not over-powering, just a very pleasant saltwater mist rising off the surface of an ocean wave and being gently spritzed inside the nostrils. This is daily-drinker material for sure. I love how this tea makes me feel, it's low in caffeine and gentle on the nervous system, but still makes me feel fully alive in the moment.
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ishan has. It features attributes that you might typically find in other Taiwanese oolongs, but the combination of elements here feels very unique. It's creamy yet tart, with a smooth mouthfeel perfectly intertwined with apparent notes of hibiscus flowers and rose hips that gently cut through the buttery notes and accentuate the body of tea. There are distinct overtones of herbs and spices, like rosemary, pine, juniper, fennel, and hints of nettle which contribute to the sharpness and clarity of this otherwise seductively smooth flavor profile. The body is soft and smooth, and the aftertaste is thick and pungent. There are undertones of rice and oat milk which continue to build in the mouth as the session progresses, with some malted cereal grains eventually coming out towards the end. This tea maintains its composure even into the aftertaste, where the grains seem to develop a honey-like sweetness. The aftertaste brings with it a powerful and textured mouthfeel, with a distinct oily quality to it and a powerful spicy-yet-cooling sensation that is reminiscent of the tiniest hint of clove oil. It's not so powerful that it becomes an actual flavor; it's just powerful enough to leave an impression on the palate and linger before gradually subsiding. This is a complex oolong and worth every penny. If you are a fan of the way GABA oolongs make you feel, or perhaps you like tea with good "cha qi" - make sure you check this one out. Besides its flavor profile, it is also quite a powerful tea in the body and stimulating in the brain.
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ld be hard to describe it as anything other than exquisite, for two reasons. First: its price makes it the perfect entry point for those who seek to explore the wonderful world of Fenghuang oolong, so if you're browsing around and are curious about this category, this is definitely a great place to start. Second: its flavor profile makes it a phenomenal choice for the more seasoned fanatics who want a daily drinker that doesn't break the bank. Don't be fooled by this price tag - this dancong brings a level of sophistication that any connoisseur will recognize and immediately appreciate. The evolution of flavors across a full session are immaculate, with peachy-sweet overtones of juicy fruits that greet you immediately as you open the bag, and persist across the full session. The aromatics cling to the bottom of an empty cup like honey clings to a glass jar. It's just so thick and nectar-like! The body is well-defined with overt layers of baked yams/sweet potatoes. The texture is very smooth and thick on the palate. The starchy sweetness eventually melts away and reveals the spine of this tea - woodsy and grainy, with a graceful presence that is apparent but does not become bitter even when pushed hard towards the end of the session. Interestingly enough, the terroir of this tea reminds me of the much more expensive Orchid Literati. Although there are differences, it's easy to tell that the bushes which produced Tea Hong's Big White were happy and healthy.
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ned and elegant. I was shocked since the entry is quiet and subdued, but the mid to late palate is so smooth and gentle with veritable depth. I've never thought that an oolong could emulate a gushu pu'erh. Too many plantation teas smack you in the face with their sappy, candy-like fragrance. This one is the definition of minerality and long aftertaste.
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young, fresh and exuberant princess with playful joy, an unbridled celebration. Latter is of an adult princess, mellowed but still resplendent, a quiet assurance.
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