Astonishing quality from such an inexpensive teabag!

With a single 5-minute infusion (shorter leaves a bland cup--the finely-broken leaves are packed tightly in the teabag and the flavor does not diffuse quickly) I found an amber colored cup with a mellow, subtle aroma and smooth flavor. In my experience, only good for one infusion.

The aroma is fruity, perhaps like raisins or dried apricot, with suggestions of chestnuts and honey. Very mellow; there's no noticeable roast in the aroma, but the smoothness and darker color shows evidence of some roast. Lingering floral finish. However, like many teabags, there is also a flat, cardboard-like quality that permeates throughout...it's less noticeable than in some other brands, but still present. Flavor is surprisingly sweet.

This tea is subtle and in my opinion best consumed on its own, not with food. Much cheaper than Ten Ren's greener oolongs, but in my opinion, not as good.

I would say this is real oolong and drinkable by those with a discerning palate, but it still pales in comparison to loose oolong.

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