I’ve been drinking nothing but oolongs lately that I just had to try …another oolong. But this is no ordinary one, as it is something new from Darjeeling. And I’ve had a hard time drinking it some days-not something I expected to think or write.
I was very excited about this one because it was something new. Heck, the leaves are gorgeous by having a tea rainbow of autumn and spring colors shifting from yellows, to browns, to greens, to auburns, and whites. The smell has that spicy hay floral note I associate with Darjeelings, and brewing it up lightly western, it has it too.
As for the tasting it, it is aromatically earthy, but also very acidic and slightly tart. The texture is smooth and lovely with a sweet pear note and a very pronounced cotton note that makes it a very summery tea, but there is a green spiciness like a green pepper or dryness that I am having a little bit of a hard time with. That does not really make sense considering the smooth profile and lack of bitterness or astringency, but I’ve had a hard time finishing the cup because I get overpowered by it.
I need to get to know this one a little better before I rate it. It is without a doubt a great quality tea that is very reflective of its Darjeeling terroir, and awesome for its distinctly more oolong flavor profile compared to the other Indian Oolongs I’ve had, but it this tea has a power to it that I struggle with.
