Notes, Values less than $10

With autumn temperatures finally upon us here in southern California, it seems a fitting time to turn our attention to Oolongs. Cooler and drier weather bring out the aromas for which this group is prized. Those who are fond of this category know that Anxi County in Fujian is renowned for Tie Guan Yin. To zoom out for a broader geographic view, it’s worth noting that with one important exception, hardly any other tea region in China attempts to make, much less compete, with Fujian when it comes to this category.

One lesser known variety from Anxi is Ben Shan/Mtn Oolong, sometimes called the “younger brother of Tie Guan Yin.”  Ben Shan’s earliest record dates from 1870 and was recognized as a distinct cultivar in 1984.

The growth and adaptability of Ben Shan are better than the Tie Guan Yin varietal, therefore allowing a higher yield with lower prices.  The underside of Ben Shan leaves is yellow-green, and the leaf surface bulges slightly with an obvious main vein.  The teas produced from Ben Shan are fragrant and deeply flavored.

The term “orchid fragrance” often accompanies descriptions of this tea, but I never seem to sense orchids myself. The standard we import delivers with clarity the medium roast aroma. This is a weighty tea with accents of toasted grain, showing plenty of Oolong character for the palate.

ETA December:

Organic Wuyi Oolong : A new and affordable Wuyi.

We carry a selection of even more affordable teas that are not only solid bread and butter teas but good values.  However, the list is not comprehensive: as not all the affordable teas are shown.

Some suggested good value teas are:

• Yunnan FOP, Special Grade  Gold-tipped, from the earliest tea region.  Distinctive, easily identifiable Yunnan black character.  $6 – 1/4 lb.
• Golden Gunpowder Black  More deeply flavored than an OP, underlined with raisin-y notes.  $9 – 1/4 lb.
• Earl Grey Crème  A satisfying twist on a favorite; the creamy touch adds a soft, wound finish.  $8 – 1/4 lb.
• Lapsang Souchong  This standard has a larger, more robust leaf.  $6 – 1/4 lb.
• Lake Tai Green Maofeng  Deep green in dry form, the leaves brew up a golden, sweet cup.  $9 – 1/4 lb.
• China Jasmine  Additional flowers added to the tea after natural scenting.  $7 – 1/4 lb.
• Yunnan Teahouse Pu-erh  Deep dark and smooth, this is another dim sum teahouse selection  Multiple flavorful infusions.  $7 – 1/4 lb.
• Organic Rooibos  Extra-long cut  $5 – 1/4 lb.
• Organic Himalayan Tippy Black  From the earliest certified organic estate in eastern Nepal.  Good amount of tips yield a bright note.  $10 – 1/4 lb.
• Hairy Crab Oolong  Cultivar is made into light and medium styles.  This “green” oolong yields a floral, friendly cup.  $10 – 1/4 lb.

And one more, Holiday Green Tea with Cranberry Orange Cinnamon from Germany.

Best wishes for the season!

October 22, 2020