Country of Origin: China
Leaf Appearance: dark, long and twisted
Ingredients: oolong tea
Steep time: 30 seconds
Water Temperature: 185 degrees
Preparation Method: porcelain gaiwan
Liquor: pale amber
This tea was an interesting contrast with the Heavenly Fragrance Dan Cong from this company that I reviewed previously. It started off very delicate and wasn’t nearly as aromatic. At first I found that a little disappointing. Following Peony Tea Shop’s brewing instructions, I increased the steep time by 10 seconds with each infusion. I was happy to find that notes of honey and apricot began to emerge along with a floral sweetness in the finish. It had a rather thick mouth-feel but was not very astringent. There is nothing I love more than a tea that surprises me and this one did just that. I was able to get five really decent infusions and certainly could have squeezed out a few more. I love that Peony Tea Shop provides specific information about their teas such as harvest time and cultivar. I wish more retailers would because it helps ensure freshness and authenticity.
Find out more about this tea here.