Name: Li Shan Oolong
Brand: Canton Tea Co
Type: Oolong
Form: Loose leaf
Cost: $10.27 for a 10 gram sample. Quantity discounts available and this price will fluctuate according to US/UK exchange rates. (November 2011)
Review: Mmm. This one is lovely.
I’ve only tried a few Li Shan oolongs, so I don’t have a lot to compare this one too, but I must say that I like it very much. The carefully rolled dry leaf has a slightly sweet nose, which is what I expect from a Li Shan. Once infused to a gorgeous light green/gold, the medium-bodied liquor takes on an even sweeter nose, reminiscent of sugarcane with floral backnotes. Delightful.
After infusion, this tea remains incredibly sweet and floral: I’m inclined to say that the flavor and nose reminds me a bit of violets. On the palate, the tea has a slightly buttery quality, very smooth with only a hint of astringency that lingers a bit after sipping. The second infusion is a bit more flavorful and substantial than the first, although it remains remarkably sweet. These are large leaves, so they give up a lot of flavor in each steep, expect to go 4-5 rounds with this oolong, at least, particularly since its sweetness doesn’t quickly dissipate.
Highly recommended.
Preparation Tips: Bring the water temperature down a bit, Canton Tea Co recommends 203F/95C…I might go a few degrees lower. You’ll want to preserve this tea’s sweetness. Let it steep for a minute, drink, then reinfuse.
Serving Tips: This tea is too subtle to be paired with food and I’m not sure that its sweetness would mesh well with most comestibles anyway. Drink it on its own and enjoy!
Affiliate Links in this Post?: No
Sample Provided by Retailer?: Yes
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