Auspicious Ayame Wulong Oolong Tea

I have been buying tea directly from Hong Kong and Taiwan tea shops. I wanted to have some domestic alternatives. Teavana did not disappoint me with this tea. For about $200 a pound this tea might be expensive to some Teavana buyers, but it is a medium price for high end Dan Cong. This is a solid example from Wu Dong Mountain. Very aromatic and delicious. Right amount of roast of the leaves. It has a slight edge at first two brews but maintaines strong aroma and flavor for another few brews. A worthy choice for oolong lovers.

I am normally a Black tea girl...I like strong dark amber tea flavors. I tend to like Darjeeling teas and love most "unflavored" black teas(Golden Monkey, Black Dragon Pearls, etc). So I was skeptical about this oolong tea and purchased it based on the recommenedation of the sales clerk. I breathed in the scent of the dried tea leaves and found it to be floral, fresh and slight vegetal scent. It is as they say...Orchid and Smokey. The leaves are beautifully prepared and appear to be hand rolled, containing a mix of black and green leaves. The cup is weak (for me-a black tea drinker)and is a very light golden color. I almost dumped it down the drain fearing that it would be too weak for me. I tasted it and was pleasantly surprised. I have enjoyed the smokey and floral notes. It is extremely smooth and mellow. I was thinking of returning it, but have been totally consumed by the complexity of the cup. I will be keeping this :)

This is a delicious tea. It is light and delicate. Today is the first time I tried this tea. It is a cold New England day, and this tea made me feel warm and happy. It is comforting. I brewed a second pot and blended Chateau Blanc White Tea -- this was also delicious.