Bao Zhong Oolong Tea
100
Percentile
3 ratings |
|
Commercial Description
Bao Zhong is a very lightly oxidized oolong with a clear green, delicate infusion and fresh floral notes of lilac and lily.
Brewing Instructions: (from Rishi Tea)
Water: 195°F / Leaves: 1 tablespoon per 8 ounces / Infusion Time: 3–4 minutes
Ratings & Reviews
Page 1 of 1 page with 3 reviews
87 Aroma: 8/10 Flavor: 5/5 Value: 4/5Brytta Sóþword (334 reviews) on Mar. 18th, 2015
Very soothing tea. This reminds me a lot of a tea I've tried before, but I honestly can't figure out which one. It tastes, perhaps, similar to a good milky oolong, even though that's a different kind?
Silky and slightly floral, no bitterness--a great tea for sipping while relaxing. I'll update the value rating after trying a few infusions.
Once brewed, I was startled by the broad, large size of the tea leaves. Hence, I suspect it'd work great for multiple infusions.
UPDATE 1: You can easily get multiple infusions out of this tea, but to ensure they're the best they can be I have a few recommendations:
1) Don't steep it any longer than the first time (I went 3 minutes at 195°F).
2) Don't leave it on a warmer.
3) Make just enough for each cup, so that each one is fresh.
The reason for these tips is that the tea goes from a pale green to a progressively darker brown color as the tea is continually warmed. As it does so, the flavor loses its subtlety and delicacy. It doesn't go bitter and is still notably floral, but it gains, what, astringency? I need to develop my tea vocabulary.
In short, the first cup is definitely the best, but for me it's important to be careful with subsequent infusions to ensure they come out nearly as delightful as the first.
UPDATE 2: Since prolonged heat seemed to be the issue for me, I tried brewing this one cold. I poured cold water into a mup, placed a strainer inside, placed the leaves in the strainer, and then set the mug in the refridgerator. This worked *really well*. From the same leaves, the tea once again tasted fresh and delicate. When the weather is warm, this makes a lovely cool drink.
100 Aroma: 10/10 Flavor: 5/5 Value: 5/5Kelsey (142 reviews) on Mar. 5th, 2015
If my heaven could exist in a teacup, I think I may have found it here.
I thought this tea was phenomenal. The silky smooth mouthfeel and the orchid, honeysuckle. and vegetal tones were to. die. for. I don't think I could get enough!
This tea lasts for multiple infusions; the first is by far the best, but I thought the following cups were greatly satisfying.
Despite the price being a little high, the quality of this tea is worth every bit.
Exquisite, simply exquisite. Thank you Rishi Tea!
90 Aroma: 9/10 Flavor: 5/5 Value: 4/5Alex Zorach (1453 reviews) on Mar. 5th, 2015
I thought this tea was exquisite, probably my favorite Bao Zhong ever sampled, and among my favorite greener oolongs.
The dry leaf is quite fragrant, with a pleasant floral and vegetal aroma, and a hint of roast.
Upon brewing, the tea takes on a greener character than suggested by the smell of the dry leaf, and there's no discernable roast, it's a lot like a green tea with the edge taken off. Brews a pale greenish-yellow liquor, with a pleasant floral fragrance. Rishi describes it as lilac and lily, and I see this. There are also strong vegetal notes, reminding me a lot of the smell when cutting the thick leaves and stems of tropical rainforest plants. The smell of this tea reminds me of the inside of a greenhouse, and makes me think of humid summer days, or the tropics.
The flavor is mellow but has a bit of boldness, and the mouthfeel is smooth, almost buttery, but with just enough astringency to make it seem full-bodied. I drank this tea twice in cold weather, and I found it pleasantly warming, but I can see it being just as enjoyable in hot weather.
I find this tea is pretty forgiving about brewing; it doesn't seem to change much as a function of steeping time. Rishi's recommendations are pretty spot-on too. I would recommend going on the stronger side, though, not using less leaf or a shorter steep than Rishi recommends.
Works excellently for multiple infusions, although I find that the later cups were never quite as satisfying as the first.
Good price. This is an expensive tea, but I think it's a fine example of a bao zhong / pouchong, and worth every penny.
Page 1 of 1 page with 3 reviews
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