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Alex Zorach

RateTea Editor

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Member since Sep. 1st, 2009. Reviewed 1453 teas.

Reviews of Teas & Herbal Teas from Fujian, China

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Picture of Chuan Tong Tie Guan Yin (Old Style Tie Guan Yin) Anxi Wulong 2011

Chuan Tong Tie Guan Yin (Old Style Tie Guan Yin) Anxi Wulong 2011 from Seven Cups

Style: Tie Guan Yin – Region: Anxi, Fujian, China

60 / 100 Aroma: 6/10 Flavor: 4/5 Value: 2/5
Aug. 27th, 2012

Sampled in a blind tea tasting hosted by Evan Draper. Thanks, Evan, for the tea and the brewing!

This was the first tea we sampled, and was among my favorites of the batch.

Aroma was woody, toasty, and floral, in all infusions. First infusion was light and predominately aromatic. Second was more bitter and con...

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Picture of Jasmine Silver Needle White Tea (Mo Li Yin Zhen)

Jasmine Silver Needle White Tea (Mo Li Yin Zhen) from TeaVivre

Style: Jasmine Silver Needle – Region: Fuding, Fujian, China

70 / 100 Aroma: 7/10 Flavor: 4/5 Value: 3/5
Aug. 13th, 2012

Yet another Chinese tea from TeaVivre, of very high quality that is exactly what I'd expect for its style.

Dry leaf extremely aromatic, with an intense Jasmine aroma that is almost overwhelming. Looks like a typical silver needle, very attractive-looking, delicate silvery buds with downy white hair.

Upon brewing...

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Lapsang Souchong Black Tea Grade II from Life in Teacup

Style: Lapsang Souchong – Region: Fujian, China

63 / 100 Aroma: 6/10 Flavor: 3/5 Value: 4/5
Jul. 13th, 2012

Life in Teacup sent me a sample of this tea even though it had been discontinued from their catalogue; now, their only Lapsang Souchong is the Lapsang Souchong Superior Grade.

I can see why they discontinued this one: while it was not bad, I thought it was nowhere near as good as the superior grade. Even with the h...

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Picture of White Pearl

White Pearl from Simpson & Vail

Style: White Tea – Region: Fujian, China

67 / 100 Aroma: 7/10 Flavor: 4/5 Value: 2/5
Jun. 27th, 2012

Smallish pearls unfurl to olive-colored leaf with lots of tip. Tea seems much more oxidized than normal for a tippy white tea.

I did not like the steeping recommendations; the cup came out quite bland when steeped this way, but this is always true for me of delicate white teas, like silver needle and others. I fo...

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Lapsang Souchong Superior Grade from Life in Teacup

Style: Lapsang Souchong – Region: Wuyi, Fujian, China

91 / 100 Aroma: 9/10 Flavor: 5/5 Value: 4/5
May. 10th, 2012

This was the first traditional Lapsang Souchong that I've tried, and I must say, I'm a tremendous fan. It is among my favorite Chinese black teas that I have sampled. Yet another impressive tea from Life in Teacup.

Although there is a hint of pine evident in the aroma, the overwhelming smokiness characteristic of ...

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Picture of Ti Quan Yin Spring Floral

Ti Quan Yin Spring Floral from Harney and Sons

Style: Tie Guan Yin – Region: Anxi, Fujian, China

80 / 100 Aroma: 8/10 Flavor: 4/5 Value: 5/5
Apr. 26th, 2012

I unfortunately only had the opportunity to sample this tea once, but I was impressed. This tea lives up to its name! Aroma is strongly floral.

The mouthfeel and overall experience of drinking it is buttery, but not overwhelmingly so (this quality can get a bit overwhelming to me in some oolongs).

Complete abse...

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Picture of Bailin Gongfu Black Tea

Bailin Gongfu Black Tea from TeaVivre

Style: Black Tea – Region: Fujian, China

87 / 100 Aroma: 8/10 Flavor: 5/5 Value: 5/5
Apr. 23rd, 2012

I really like this one, especially after drinking it on multiple occasions.

This black (red) tea was only vaguely similar to others from China that I've tried; it was quite different from anything I have tried yet. Its aroma was more like Yunnan teas than anything else, but much milder and smoother, and with a very...

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Zhang Ping Shui Xian, Charcoal Roasted from Life in Teacup

Style: Shui Hsien Oolong – Region: Zhangping, Fujian, China

73 / 100 Aroma: 7/10 Flavor: 4/5 Value: 3/5
Apr. 18th, 2012

The dry leaf of this oolong looked and smelled heavily roasted, and frankly, smelled more than a little boring to me. But when I brewed this cup, I was pleasantly surprised.

The aroma is complex and a bit edgy--there are some fairly strong skunky, herbaceous qualities, tones of celery, and a few floral tones in the...

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Picture of 2009 Shou Mei (Sow Mee or Longevity Brow)

2009 Shou Mei (Sow Mee or Longevity Brow) from Life in Teacup

Style: Shou Mei White Tea – Region: Fujian, China

90 / 100 Aroma: 9/10 Flavor: 5/5 Value: 5/5
Apr. 12th, 2012

I find white teas tend to darken with age, and this one is darker than current-year samples of shou mei I have tried in the past, but it still had quite a lot of green leaf.

This was one tea that I really had to brew before I noticed its quality...the dry leaf looks and smells relatively unremarkable, but upon brewi...

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Picture of Zhang Ping Shui Xian, Traditional Greener Style

Zhang Ping Shui Xian, Traditional Greener Style from Life in Teacup

Style: Shui Hsien Oolong – Region: Zhangping, Fujian, China

77 / 100 Aroma: 9/10 Flavor: 3/5 Value: 3/5
Apr. 11th, 2012

This was a fascinating tea for me to try. It was completely unlike any other oolong I've tried. The loosely-packed leaves separate easily and infuse quicker than I'd expect for their tough texture. After steeping I noticed that the larger leaves are mostly whole, but the smaller leaves and buds are mostly broken. I...

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Picture of Huang Jin Gui

Huang Jin Gui from Teaspring

Style: Golden Osmanthus – Region: Anxi, Fujian, China

87 / 100 Aroma: 8/10 Flavor: 5/5 Value: 5/5
Mar. 12th, 2012

Served Gong Fu style by Evan. Golden-green dry leaf is pleasingly aromatic.

I liked this tea very much. Predominately floral aroma, yet bold and complex, with skunky (which I liked) and herbaceous undertones. There's a faint soapy quality evident in each infusion, but it did not detract from the overall experienc...

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Picture of Tie Kuan Yin Tea

Tie Kuan Yin Tea from Tea King of China (Starway)

Style: Tie Guan Yin – Region: Anxi, Fujian, China

30 / 100 Aroma: 3/10 Flavor: 2/5 Value: 1/5
Mar. 6th, 2012

I was so impressed by the two green teas from this company that I eagerly bought two 6 ounce boxes of oolong. The oolongs, at around $5 a tin, were both pricier than the green teas, which were about $2 and $3 a tin, respectively.

I was sorely disappointed with this tea. This is a below-average tea, even for this p...

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Picture of Monkey-Picked Ti Kuan Yin

Monkey-Picked Ti Kuan Yin from Foojoy

Style: Tie Guan Yin – Region: Anxi, Fujian, China

83 / 100 Aroma: 8/10 Flavor: 5/5 Value: 4/5
Dec. 5th, 2011

This oolong has a noticeable roasted quality but still a lot of greener character. It comes across as both toasty and fresh, and is very complex.

The cup brews a dark color, and the leaves turn a dark olive-brown upon steeping. The aroma is both woody and herbaceous, and has tones of nut, cocoa, and spice (especia...

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Picture of Hand-Processed Wuyi Shui Xian Grade I

Hand-Processed Wuyi Shui Xian Grade I from Life in Teacup

Style: Shui Hsien Oolong – Region: Wuyi, Fujian, China

95 / 100 Aroma: 10/10 Flavor: 5/5 Value: 4/5
Oct. 10th, 2011

Dry leaf has an intense aroma of cocoa. Upon brewing the tea, the aroma becomes much more complex.

I brewed this tea western style and was surprised at how many infusions it lasted through. It is rare for me to find teas that can hold up to three long infusions, using less leaf. This tea lasted through four.

A...

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Picture of Silver Needle

Silver Needle from Adagio Teas

Style: Silver Needle – Region: Fujian, China

60 / 100 Aroma: 6/10 Flavor: 4/5 Value: 2/5
Sep. 19th, 2011

Brews a dark color for a silver needle, but the flavor profile is more like what I'd expect for a silver needle.

Aroma is mellow, mostly vegetal, slightly floral but only weakly so. Sweet, no bitterness. I used a very long steep time (>10 min.) and it had only a little astringency.

This is not my favorite style...

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Picture of Wuyi Ensemble (Wuyi Oolong)

Wuyi Ensemble (Wuyi Oolong) from Adagio Teas

Style: Oolong Tea – Region: Wuyi, Fujian, China

83 / 100 Aroma: 8/10 Flavor: 5/5 Value: 4/5
Sep. 16th, 2011

Although this tea looks very dark in color, it had a slightly greener character among Wuyi oolongs. Aroma has a hint of smokiness, and some woody qualities, but primarily a background of honey-like smoothness that is fairly floral. The finish is clean and herbaceous, leaving a fresh taste of celery on the palate.

...

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Picture of White Peony (Pai Mu Tan)

White Peony (Pai Mu Tan) from Adagio Teas

Style: White Peony Tea – Region: Fujian, China

90 / 100 Aroma: 9/10 Flavor: 5/5 Value: 5/5
Sep. 14th, 2011

Not what I expected, and actually, far exceeding any expectations I had! This is my favorite Pai Mu Tan sampled yet, and is far out ahead of any of the other contenders.

I had this as a sample in a tea sachet. The sachet contains the same tea that is sold as loose-leaf. I will note that the sachet was very large,...

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Picture of Ti Kuan Yin (Oolong Goddess)

Ti Kuan Yin (Oolong Goddess) from Adagio Teas

Style: Tie Guan Yin – Region: Fujian, China

70 / 100 Aroma: 7/10 Flavor: 4/5 Value: 3/5
Sep. 14th, 2011

This is a very balanced Tie Guan Yin. It is darker than a lot of the modern green Chinese Oolongs, but lighter than some of the traditional dark roast ones. The cup comes out a dark amber or light brown.

The aroma is slightly floral, with a hint of woody tones. Very full-bodied; slightly honey-like upon drinking....

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Picture of Wuyi Organic Oolong Tea

Wuyi Organic Oolong Tea from Wegmans

Style: Oolong Tea – Region: Wuyi, Fujian, China

80 / 100 Aroma: 8/10 Flavor: 4/5 Value: 5/5
Aug. 9th, 2011

This is the same style as Rishi's Wuyi Qi Lan, and the two teas are very similar. I suspect that this is also a Qi Lan but I am not experienced enough with Wuyi teas to say for sure.

Rishi's Qi Lan (Wuyi oolong) is sweeter, thicker, more syrupy. This tea is more dry. Both teas have a pleasant hint of smokiness. ...

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Picture of Se Chung

Se Chung from Imperial Tea Garden

Style: Se Chung Oolong – Region: Anxi, Fujian, China

57 / 100 Aroma: 5/10 Flavor: 3/5 Value: 3/5
Jul. 18th, 2011

Greener character, with an aroma that is simultaneously smoky, woody, and floral. Flavor surprisingly clear and clean. However, aftertaste is muddled and slightly more smoky than I like. Medium-bodied. I find it less fruity than the description suggests, and less than a number of other oolongs.

When Se Chung ool...

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Picture of Panyang Tippy Golden Needles Imperial

Panyang Tippy Golden Needles Imperial from Upton Tea Imports

Style: Panyang Congou – Region: Fujian, China

87 / 100 Aroma: 9/10 Flavor: 4/5 Value: 5/5
May. 28th, 2011

Aroma toasty and caramely, like the crust of a pastry. This tea is so reminiscent of pastry that if I close my eyes, I almost picture there being a baked good, rather than a cup of tea, in front of me.

Dark, rich, but with a pleasingly smooth flavor. Finish leaves a surprisingly lightness on the palate, and a fain...

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Picture of Panyang Congou Select

Panyang Congou Select from Upton Tea Imports

Style: Panyang Congou – Region: Fujian, China

87 / 100 Aroma: 8/10 Flavor: 5/5 Value: 5/5
Apr. 22nd, 2011

A delightful and complex black tea. Very robust and full-bodied, moderate bitterness, but not overly caffeinated. Aroma simultaneously a little smoky, fruity, and malty, with no one quality dominating the others. Very balanced. Very pleasing.

I can see this becoming a favorite everyday black tea for me: it is mu...

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Picture of Tie Guan Yin traditional charcoal roast Master Grade

Tie Guan Yin traditional charcoal roast Master Grade from Life in Teacup

Style: Tie Guan Yin – Region: Anxi, Fujian, China

100 / 100 Aroma: 10/10 Flavor: 5/5 Value: 5/5
Apr. 6th, 2011

(2009 Harvest) This is an impressive tea, and the first perfect rating I've ever given here. Life in Teacup provided me with a sample generous enough to experiment a bit with brewing.

This tea is so intensely flavorful and aromatic, that I settled on using a little less than 1 teaspoon of leaf, and brewed four infu...

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Picture of Pure White Tea

Pure White Tea from Twinings

Style: White Tea – Region: Fujian, China

20 / 100 Aroma: 2/10 Flavor: 1/5 Value: 1/5
Mar. 7th, 2011

Among my least favorite bagged teas that I've tried. Aroma very weak: vaguely floral and then dissipating into a stale, tea-like aroma. Pale cup has a muddled flavor, with a little bitterness and more astringency than I'd like, and a little sourness too. I would not drink this again.

My advice is to stick to Twin...

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Huang Jin Gui Winter Harvest from Life in Teacup

Style: Golden Osmanthus – Region: Anxi, Fujian, China

63 / 100 Aroma: 5/10 Flavor: 4/5 Value: 3/5
Sep. 20th, 2010

After being really impressed by Life in Teacup's Huang Jin Gui traditional style, this one was a disappointment. I experimented a little bit with brewing, but, regardless of how I brewed, compared to that other tea, the aroma of this one is weaker and less pleasant overall.

I also find this tea to have less depth. ...

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