Tasting Notes
Smooth with a woody nuttiness and notes of cherry and sweet fruit. Full bodied and complex while maintaining the brightness and soft tannins of a Spring tea.
Quantity
Use 0.1-0.2 oz of leaf per 5.5 fl oz of water (2 - 4g per 150ml).
Temperature
For the optimum infusion wash the leaf with 212°F (100°C) water, then use the same (slightly cooled) water to infuse.
Time
Infuse for 1 - 2 minutes, tasting regularly.
Infusions
You can infuse this tea at least three times. With each careful infusion, different subtleties of flavour are revealed.
Cost Per Cup
42¢ per cup based on 0.1 oz of leaf per 5.5 fl oz of water and 3 infusions.
A gaiwan is the ultimate way to enjoy your oolong tea. Used in China since the Ming dynasty (over 900 years ago), gaiwans are unassuming but beautifully functional teapots that can be used to explore tea to its fullest – the following method can be used to make up to six infusions.
Start with 4-6g of oolong tea and pop it in the gaiwan teapot. Boil a kettle to 212°F/100°C, then pour an inch of the water on the leaf for a few seconds, and discard this liquid. This "wash" softens the rolled leaf and allows the water to penetrate.
Fill the gaiwan with the hot water to just below the rim, infuse for 5-10 seconds and strain completely into your cup or a jug. There's no need to reheat the water as you go, because the softened leaves will require lower temperatures to release their flavours - but you will need to extend the time to 10-20 seconds for later steeps. We recommend at least six infusions to allow the leaf to completely open out and reveal all its beauty.
For a more comprehensive guide to using a gaiwan see our full guide here.
Here is a short video demonstrating how to get the most out of your precious oolong leaves with a gaiwan:
Taiwan
Organic Oolong
A rather extraordinary and delicious oolong from organic gardens near Taitung in Taiwan.
Full bodied and complex while maintaining the brightness and soft tannins of a Spring tea. This tea is low in tannins but very rich in flavour.
The first infusions are sweet and nutty leading to dark caramels and rich fruit. There is a notes of chocolate highly unusual for an oolong tea. Delicious served with savoury food.
This tea is crafted by a young farmer called Wei, and his mother.
He is supported by the local organic farming community who share skills and labour through the seasons.
