TT55: Formosa Amber Oolong

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Brand:	Upton Tea Imports
Style:	Amber Oolong
Caffeine:	Caffeinated
Region:	Taiwan / Formosa
Loose/teabag:	Loose
Product page:	TT55: Formosa Amber Oolong

Commercial Description:

With an oxidation level of approximately 40%, Amber Oolong (Wu-Long) teas produce a liquor that is darker than the Jade Oolongs, listed below. The flavor is slightly more earthy and robust.

Brewing Instructions: (from Upton Tea Imports)

Leaf Quantity: 2¼ g/cup
Water Temp: 190º
Steep Time: 3-5 min

Ratings & Reviews:

Total: 67/100 : Aroma: 6/10, Flavor: 4/5, Value: 4/5, Overall: 6/10

The dry leaves have only a weak aroma, and unfurl somewhat, but not a great deal, upon brewing.

The brewed tea is amber in color as the name suggests; the aroma is nutty and warm, not overpowering, and with a hint of a skunkiness to it. There is only a hint of bitterness and tanginess in the flavor...the tanginess sinks to the bottom of the cup. I found the aroma of this tea to be an acquired taste. I am glad I ordered a 100g pack of this and not just a sample, as I found my appreciation of this tea grew greatly upon drinking it. Something about the aroma I initially found mildly objectionable...it seemed a bit like stale wood. However, as I drank this tea more, I came to really like the aroma, although I still do not like it quite as much as Se Chung: ZO10 from Upton, which has a similar wood-like aroma, is easier to brew, and was easier to appreciate initially.

The brewing instructions are important for this one. I prefer to use well over a teaspoon of leaves per cup, and brew for five minutes. Upton recommends 190 degrees. At too high a temperature this tea becomes very bitter, but at too low a temperature it is too weak. I find stirring this tea to be important, especially if you let the cup sit for a while before drinking it...the sourness at the bottom of the cup makes for an unpleasant final few sips, but is a welcome addition when distributed evenly throughout the tea.

This is a decent tea. It is quirky and a bit of a nuisance. It actually has grown on me considerably, and I think it is a bit of an acquired taste. But even with this, it's not my favorite Oolong. Bottom line? I am not sure. It's not too expensive, but I've had Oolongs that are even more reasonably priced that were easier to appreciate.

Aroma:		(10 is best)
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Total:	? / 100