90

I’m so glad that I asked Brenden to sample this one because it is quite good. Thank you!

“Apricot, honey, and spice” is on point, as I get that western and grandpa style. The dry aroma has the usual honeyed Autumn leaf pile aroma that any oriental beauty has, and the taste is very delectable. Amidst the sweet notes, there’s almost something savory in the background like butter in smell and taste. Later steeps have a little bit of citrus zest, too. Combined, it’s lovely.

I also usually get peach in Oriental Beauty notes, but this I get pure apricot. I have to say it is by no means dry and immensely fruity. The spice in the background borders on cassia, or cinnamon, but it is a touch sweeter. I would not say clove, but probably nutmeg in the hints mid sip. Honey always finishes it off and coats the roof of my mouth. I’ve yet to find more complexities, but since this tea is so flexible and defined, I could care less about further sophistication.

I still can’t believe I was able to do a grandpa style of this tea. I didn’t verge too much from 4 grams for 9 oz grandpa, and for western, about the same ratio, only 3-4 for eight oz. The shortest I’ve brewed it at was two minutes so far, and three at longest. I’ve yet to try it Gong Fu although I’m certain it will fair well. I’m going to hoard the sample as much as I can, so I will maybe do Gong Fu once, and then do the rest of the sample grandpa and western.

It will be a sad sip down coming soon. I do recommend this tea for anyone looking to expand their oolongs, or to try out Brenden’s collection. Great for the afternoons and mornings, and I’d see it as a summer, fall, and winter tea. My only criticism is perhaps price, but I personally have a hard time finding Oriental Beauties that are not overly dry or malty anyway.

Flavors: Apricot, Autumn Leaf Pile, Butter, Citrus Zest, Honey, Nectar, Smooth, Spices, Sweet

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Bio

First Off, Current Targets:
Taiwan Sourcing Luxurious Jade Sampler (FRICKIN’ PRICEY)
Taiwan Sourcing Longhan Nectar Red Oolong

The best Alishan and or Lishan for the best price
The best Jade Oolong Period.
The best Dancong Period.

What-Cha:
Nepal Jun Chiyabari ‘Himalayan Tippy’ Black Tea
Lishan (I’m always stocking up on it)

My wish list is fairly accurate though it is broad.

Current Favorites:
Shang Tea/Phoenix Tea:
Tangerine Blossom

Golden Tea Leaf Company:
Iris Orchid Dancong Oolong
Dung Ting Oolong (green)
Ali Mountain Oolong

What-Cha:
Taiwan Amber GABA Oolong
Vietnam Red Buffalo Oolong
China Yunnan Pure Bud Golden Snail Black Tea
Taiwan Lishan Oolong
Kenya ‘Rhino’ Premium White Tea

Hugo Tea: Vanilla Black Chai

Liquid Proust Teas:
French Toast Dianhong
Nostalgia

Floating Leaves Tea:
Dayuling

Beautiful Taiwan Tea Co.:
“Old Style” Dong Ding

Me:

I am an MSU graduate about to become a high school social studies and history teacher. I formerly minored in anthropology, and I love Egyptian and classical history. I love to read, write, draw, paint, sculpt, fence(with a sword), workout, relax, and drink a cuppa tea…or twenty.

I’ve been drinking green and black teas ever since I was little living in Hawaii with a dominant Eastern Asian influence. I’ve come a long way since I began on steepster and now drink most teas gong fu, especially oolong. Any tea that is naturally creamy, fruity, or sweet without a lot of added flavoring ranks as a must have for me. I also love black teas and dark oolongs with the elusive “cocoa” note. My favorites are lighter Earl Greys, some white teas like What-Cha’s Kenyan offerings, most Hong-Cha’s, darker Darjeelings, almost anything from Nepal, Green Shan Lin Xi’s, and Greener Dong Dings. I’m in the process of trying Alishan’s. I also tend to really enjoy Yunnan Black or Red teas and white teas. I’m pickier with other teas like chamomile, green teas, and Masalas among several.

I used to give ratings, but now I only rate teas that have a strong impression on me. If I really like it, I’ll write it down.

I’ll enjoy a tea almost no matter what, even if the purpose is more medicinal, for it is my truest vice and addiction.

Location

Michigan, USA

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