Apr 21
Geoff’s Teaview Snapshot
 | "Taste-wise, it was very smooth but not impressive. At least not on the first infusion. It lived up to its namesake by the second."
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The Simple Leaf has thus far impressed me with their oolong selection. Their website elaborates upon the process and history of their offerings, adding a certain dimension to their wares. The naming scheme still throws me off, however. When I think of oolong, I don't think of honey. Or bees.I don't like bees.
The bio for the Honeybee Nepalese Oolong touts that Taiwanese techniques were adapted for use in Nepal. Also of note, they purport that it "exudes the aroma of native Daphne bholua and Rhododendron plants, with a slight touch of honey and fruit." I'm not entirely sure what a bholua is or what it would taste like. Perhaps the description was meant to impress those "in the know", for I certainly didn't.
I was surprised to see that the leaves for this batch were on the lighter side. Usual oolongs are roast-brown in appearance, whereas these still bore a shade of green. I brewed it at 180 degrees for three minutes, 2 teaspoons per 12 ounces of water. The liquor came out copper-colored, more akin to a deep rooibos or a lighter Earl Grey. Taste-wise, it was very smooth but not impressive. At least not on the first infusion.
It lived up to its namesake by the second. Being a biased infuser, I confess that the true nuances manifested by the second steep. It was then I noticed the hint of honey. For that, I shall impart a 6 out of 10 and a hearty golf clap.
— 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.
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Geoff Teaviews.com Reviewer » Read more about this reviewer on Geoff's profile page. » Find a list of recent posts by Geoff. |
May 5th, 2009 at 5:00 pm
[...] a gander HERE. (No, not the “duck” [...]