Tea Review: Shan Lin Xi Premium High Mountain Oolong by Teaxplorer July 16 2014

Drew Bednasek, the Teaxplorer, began his love for tea in his early twenties.  Now residing in the UK, Drew keeps an extensive blog where he can discuss his love of tea and show off is photos with tea enthusiasts worldwide.  He has extensive knowledge of tea and is active on Twitter (as the @teaxplorer) with a large following.  Read his full review of our Shan Lin Xi Premium High Mountain Oolong here.

Drew writes:

"I love lightly oxidised oolong teas, and my favourite are tightly rolled mountain teas from Taiwan. I was first introduced to Taiwanese oolongs about 15 years ago at a small tea shop in Lawrence, Kansas, of all places, and the experience had a profound impact on me. So when Green Terrace Teas contacted me about sampling some of their Taiwanese oolong teas, I immediately jumped on the opportunity. Green Terrace Teas is a new tea company that specialises in artisan teas and is based in Taiwan.

Dry leaf:

- The dry leaf has a jammy (raspberry-like) aroma

- It is a dark green, tightly rolled oolong

Infused tea:

- It cups out a light green liquor that slightly darkens with the second and third infusions

- The liquor is moderately aromatic and has a classic high-grown oolong aroma – i.e. floral and sweet

- It is a medium-bodied tea that has a thick mouthfeel and is both floral and sweet. The aftertaste really grows on the palate and in the throat

Tips/conclusions:

- This tea is best prepared gong fu style. I suggest putting four grams of tea in your gaiwan and using 90 to 95C water. You will get four to seven great infusions

- I find this a very satisfying tea because of its thick mouthfeel and lingering aftertaste. It is the kind of tea that re-energises my love for lightly oxidised oolongs. The tea is extremely fresh and of very high quality. It is a real oolong lovers delight!

Score:

4.75/5"