Name: Sumatra Oolong Barisan
Brand: TeaGschwendner
Type: Oolong
Form:Loose leaf
Cost:$12.80 for 100 grams
Review: After hearing me go on about my love of oolongs, The manager over at my local TeaGschwendner shop gave me a sample of this tea. He noted that it wasn’t TeaGschwendner’s top oolong, but that it was a great oolong for multiple infusions. I was excited to try it, particularly after reading TeaTschwendner’s description of its flavor, which is said to contain a “mild grassiness” which will “give way to lush, buttery floral and vanilla notes”.
The liquor of Sumatra Ooong Barisan is a lovely golden green, with a mouthfeel similar to that of 2% milk. The first infusion did have a slightly floral nose, but I thought the vegetal notes were a bit stronger. The same held true for the taste which reminded me a bit more of citrus cured olives (sans any salt) than grassiness. By the second and third infusions, however, the olives did indeed mellow into buttery notes. The “citrus” had devolved into a slight fruitiness, which in combination with the buttery-note could be construed as vanilla, though in my opinion that is something of a stretch.
Recommendation: This is not a subtle or complex tea, but it is mighty tasty and robust. I did four infusions, and I expect that one or two more would have worked just fine. Despite its lack of subtlety, its ability to withstand multiple infusions make it a good value.
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{ 2 comments… read them below or add one }
This is a personal favourite of mine.
Affordable and delicious to the last drop of the third or fourth infusion.
Love watching the little leaf balls unfurl and dance about in the water.
Mr Koch,
Indeed, one of the great pleasures of many oolongs is watching the infusions and picking over the spent leaves afterwards. Thanks for stopping by and commenting!