Jun 01
Troy’s Teaview Snapshot
 | "A good, quality, and reasonably priced Creamy Oolong."
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I don't remember if I mentioned this in my last review of a "milk Oolong" (if only there were some way to see reviews from the past.. Oh if only) but I've done a little bit of poking around, and a little bit of pestering industry types, in hopes of finding out just a little more about Milk Oolong. The details have been a bit confusing.It appears that the "Seasonal temperature changes" story does hold some weight. Every few years there is a random temperature drop at just the right time of year to affect certain Tea Gardens and produce a creamier brew than usual. This is not, however, the likely source for most of the Milk Oolong on the market as it would all cost quite a bit more due to relative rarity of just the right conditions.
Due to the popularity of such an oddity Jin Xuen was bred in Taiwan in the 1950's to provide a reliably milky crop of Oolong. Jin Xuen naturally produces a creamier Oolong without the need for odd weather conditions and particular elevations. Strait Jin Xuen tastes like most other Oolongs, but with a strong cream component, not overwhelming, just a soft current on the tongue that makes you wonder if a drop of dairy might have made its way, totally by accident, from an Englishman's cup.
Like many things "Milk Oolong" was a victim of its own success, and led to less honest factories adding a bit of "Natural cream flavoring" to their standard Oolongs. From what I've read almost all of the Milk Oolong from Anxi Provence in china is known to be of this type, and whats more most other factories will admit to a little jiggering if you pester them long enough. While the use of additives doesn't bother me in the least, the lack of honesty, and the maintenance of high secrecy does. It'd be leagues better if those who use flavorings just called theirs "Milk Flavored" but that doesn't seem likely. I've also noticed that many of the authentic Jin Xuen's are called Jin Xuen and not "Milk Oolong" as they seem to want to avoid being confused for less authentic products.
Due to this checkered past, its nearly impossible to know what your getting when you drink a "Milk" Oolong. You, Me, & Tea's Milk Oolong is a sweet milk Oolong that doesn't have the bitter "sappy" quality many milk Oolongs seem to inherit. Its rich, and creamy, with a flavor more reminiscent of thick french creams than your average grocery store 2%. The leaves are well packed and formed, with the waxy coat which seems to give Milk Oolongs their flavor. As stated above, I couldn't tell the source of this coat, only that it certainly isn't unwelcome in my cup. A light custard like aroma bursts from the pot as warm water is added, and the pellets unfurl to reveal well treated and complete leaves.
This is a good Milk Oolong, not a great one mind you, but considering that its a category which tends to go from great, to good, to terrible, good is quite the compliment. Looking at the prices on the site, priced for 2 ounces, I at first thought it might be a little pricier than its compatriots, but after a little math.. a little more math.. the admission that I can't do simple arithmetic to save my life, and the use of Wolfram Alpha, I found it was actually very competitively priced. For 2 ounces you'll pay about $20 (maybe a bit more w/shipping) which certainly isn't bad for a good Milk Oolong.
— To purchase You, Me & Tea Quangzhou Milk 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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Troy Teaviews.com Reviewer » Read more about this reviewer on Troy's profile page. » Find a list of recent posts by Troy. |
June 5th, 2009 at 9:28 am
[...] You, Me & Tea Quangzhou Milk Oolong [...]