Review: The Simple Leaf Honeybee Oolong

Dec 04

Review: The Simple Leaf Honeybee Oolong

Vanessa’s Teaview Snapshot

"To me, the floral and fruity notes were present in the aroma of the dry leaves (and I should take a moment here to state that the aroma of the dry leaves is outstanding- really crisp and refreshing!), but the floral and fruit notes were less obvious in the brewed liquid."

Vanessa’s Teaview:	8/10
Other Teaviews:	Laura gave it 8/10, Katie gave it 8/10, Geoff gave it 6/10, Cindy gave it 8.5/10
Your Reviews:	Add your review »

Just when I thought I was really starting to get a hold on tea vendors, another previously unknown-to-me company shows up on my radar screen to put me in my place. This time, it was Simple Leaf, a company who's motto is "fresh tea. uncomplicated". A quick view of the Simple Leaf's website reveals that they specialize in single-estate teas from primarily India and Nepal. Today, I had the opportunity to review their Honeybee tea, an oolong tea with Nepalese origins. I must admit that from the start, I was intrigued by this tea, and very excited to try it, since prior to today, all of the oolong tea I have sampled has been of Chinese and Taiwanese origins. Although from Nepal, this oolong is reported as being made following traditional Taiwanese methods. The flavor of this tea, however, is entirely distinct and in no way similar to a Taiwanese oolong. This oolong has a Darjeeling-like quality to it and is best described as very mild. The tea is aptly named, as there is an easily discernible honey-like sweetness to this tea, although overall the tea is very mellow in its flavor profile. I found myself pleasantly surprised and quite impressed with this tea. While honey was the most noticeable flavor on the palette, there was also a slight creamy nuttiness that lingered on the tongue. The Simple Leaf website notes that the tea exudes floral and fruit notes as well as honey notes. To me, the floral and fruity notes were present in the aroma of the dry leaves (and I should take a moment here to state that the aroma of the dry leaves is outstanding- really crisp and refreshing!), but the floral and fruit notes were less obvious in the brewed liquid. Overall, I was really impressed with this tea, and will consider purchasing some of this for myself when my current oolong stash (which is quite substantial) runs low. Considering that this is an uncommon oolong tea and only produced in limited quantities, the price (about $14 for 4 ounces) seems more than reasonable to me.

— To purchase The Simple Leaf Honeybee Oolong, or for more specific information on ingredients or the story behind this particular blend, click here to go directly to the manufacturer's web site.