When I bought this tea it was the second-highest-priced grade of the standard "Formosa oolongs" in Upton's catalogue. They've since switched things around and discontinued this tea.

I found this tea, moving up from the lowest grades (TT11-TT17), to be the first one that offered an appreciable difference, the first one that stood out, whereas the other teas were more similar to each other with only subtle differences. Appropriately, there was a price gap between this and the lower grades.

Whereas the other formosa oolongs from Upton have an earthy quality, the aroma of this tea is much more complex, and lighter in character although still equally strong. I would describe it as, mellow, warm, wholesome, and inviting. It strongly suggests gingerbread, cinnamon, and spice, and also has floral tones, and a hint of the dusty quality present in some Pu-erh.

This tea is very smooth, without any bitterness or sourness, and with a hint of sweetness. There's only the faintest hint of astringency, which vanishes into a clean aftertaste.

I followed Upton's brewing recommendations and were satisfied. I did not have enough of this tea to have the opportunity to experiment much with different ways of brewing.

I actually do not like the cinnamon tones in the aroma. And although this is a rich, full-bodied tea, I find it is a bit too mellow for me. I can imagine some people would really like this tea, but I prefer teas that have more kick to them.

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