In Pursuit of Tea Nantou Si Ji Chun Oolong

This is a lightly oxidized oolong from Taiwan. The dark green leaves were small and tightly rolled. According to In Pursuit of Tea, they are hand sorted. This results in a more expensive tea but a much higher quality end product. I made this tea in a porcelain gaiwan using 190 degree water and three consecutive 30 second infusions. The liquor was pale gold and darkened with each steeping.

This tea was incredibly aromatic and floral. It was smooth and buttery with no noticeable astringency. There were notes of orchid, lavender and vanilla with a fresh greenness in the background. The floral aspect became stronger with each infusion and lingered in my palate. I love all teas but for me there is nothing better than a complex oolong. I would definitely recommend this tea.