Oolong Tea: A Tribute to Five of the Best

For die hard tea lovers the process of trying new teas is almost akin to a spiritual journey. Each new variety brings new insight and appreciation of the tea masters art and the exotic and mysterious places that are their home. Here are five of the best oolong teas sampled along this enriching journey.

SpecialTeas China Superior Ti Yin Oolong

On brewing, China Superior Ti Yin has a really appealing golden amber glow that holds well through several infusions. This tea has a subtle natural fruity taste, slightly sweet but not cloying. Ti Yang is admirably smooth with very little bitterness and the almost peachy character makes for a very interesting and refreshing tea. A good starting mix when brewing is heaped teaspoon in a 6 oz cup. Steep with 195ºF water and allow to draw for 2 - 3 minutes.

SpecialTeas China Superior Ti Yin Oolong is not overly expensive and is available in the following packaging options: ½ oz - $3.00; ¼ lb - $14.65; ½lb - $27.85; 1 lb - $52.90; 2 lb - $95.20.

Seven Cups Huang Zhi Xiang Dan Cong

Hailing from Guangdong Province and reputed to be made from the oldest Dan Cong tea bushes, Zhi Xiang Dan Cong is a fresh delicate all-day tea. As with most Oolong teas there is a characteristic rosy sweet hint on the nose and delicate fruit on the palette. This oolong has no vices and there is not bitter character or dryness. It is also a very "strong" tea - six to eight infusions from a tablespoon are not uncommon.

This tea, harvested in mid March using 2 -3 slightly open leaves is the product of tea master Ye Han Zhong and is best infused at just over 200ºF for 1 minute. A fine tea, and not too expensive at $7.20 for just under 2 oz (50 g).

Earthbound Tea Moon Crest

With impressive, long leaves this oolong is typical in its floral overtones. There is a subtle hint of honey in the after taste. Tea Moon is also slightly sweeter than most but still fresh and unassuming. It brews a clear golden straw color and is not bland or weak. It doesn't stray too far from typical oolong standards, however the really pleasant honey character makes this tea a firm favorite.

Also known as Feng Huang Dan Cong, these tea leaves are hand picked on the Wudong peak of Guangdong Province's Phoenix Mountain. Harvested twice a year the half opened leaves are processed by "rattling" a method about which little is really known. Earthbound Tea Moon Crest is well priced for the quality: 2 oz - $7.00; 4 oz - $11.00, 8 oz - $19.00.

Narien Teas Formosa Fanciest

This lovely tea is typical of Taiwanese Formosa varieties in its dark, nutty character. It is crafted, according to Narien, "from only the finest leaves, fermented until the leaf edges just start to brown". Formosa Fanciest brews to a fairly pale straw color and has a delightful nutty taste.

A distinct roasted tone comes through in the aftertaste, one that seems to strengthen with additional infusions. All in all a very fine oolong for those preferring a none sweet or floral tea. Not cheap, but reasonable for the quality. 3 oz - $19.00; 6 oz - $34.00, 16 oz - $79.00.

California Tea House Big Red Robe Oolong

Oriental culture is all about serenity. If I were to be stranded with one tea, this would be it. Originating on the Da Hong Pao bush, this excellent oolong has to be one of the best out there. In the bag the leaves just look like quality, and beg for hot water.

On the first infusion a slight chocolaty sweet aroma is sensed but the best is yet to come. A wonderful Smokey character with an oh-so subtle chocolate kiss. Just don't let this tea cool too much. It becomes a touch astringent as the temperature drops. An exceptionally fine tea good for at least 2 - 3 infusions. The price is a steep, $21.00 - 2oz, $36 - 4 oz; but you are getting value, that's for sure.

A semi-oxidized tea variety, oolong teas fall somewhere between black and green teas on the flavor spectrum. A little closer to green teas in character, they don't have the petal sweet presence of black teas with only slight tones of the greens strident grassiness. As with most teas, oolong offers excellent anti-oxidant qualities making it a good addition to any health conscious diet.