With all the many excellent types of Oolong available from China and Taiwan, this Darjeeling Oolong is truly unique in the tea world. The tea leaves once plucked, are then processed in the tradition of Chinese Oolong tea with the result of the leaves being partially oxidized. This results in producing a classic tea that is neither purely Indian nor Chinese but indeed, has only the best qualities and characteristics of both.
The processed leaves are uniformly brownish-black in appearance and are well twisted. Some tips are present. After being steeped, the opened leaves are all of dark brown colour. The majority of the plucking’s are the classic ‘two leaves and a bud’. Most of the leaves are broken as is common for Darjeeling tea. After steeping, the colour of this tea is a rich golden-reddish-brown that is crystal clear. The aroma is mild but definitely Darjeeling. Typical of Darjeeling tea, the taste is rather complex but the taste of this Darjeeling Oolong is milder. The characteristic flavour is present with a very brief and subtle sweetness to it upon first tasting it. This tea has body or a sense of “fullness”, but still is light and has less body than regular Darjeeling. The astringency is present, though at a reduced level. There is also an aftertaste that lingers, something like a mild nutty taste.Ultimately, Darjeeling Oolong has no competition and is sweeter than sugar itself.
