Country of Origin: China
Leaf Appearance: mottled mix of greens, browns
Ingredients: oolong tea
Steep time: 4 minutes
Water Temperature: 195 degrees
Preparation Method: porcelain teacup and mesh infuser
Liquor: amber
I purchased some Taiwanese black teas a while ago and a sample of this tea was included with my order. We usually think of Oriental Beauty as a Taiwanese tea but this one hails from the Anhui province of China. The leaves were very pretty to look at, a hodgepodge of cool earthy tones. Its taste was wonderfully complex with notes of stone fruit, honey and florals. Oddly enough it had a biscuity quality that reminded me of second flush Darjeeling. There was very little astringency, making for a very smooth cup. Milk and sweeteners would be travesty here. I sometimes worry that it comes of snobbish when I make a strong recommendation like that but I hope that it encourages people to try the tea all its own before trying to add anything. At just $10.99 per ounce, this tea is quite a steal. I love that it is organic and that +Stacy Lim gives the name of the cultivar as well as the tea master who crafted it.
Oriental Beauty sample received with order from Butiki Teas.