I enjoy this tea a lot. The texture is thick and smooth on the mouth and throat without ever becoming heavy. Cha qi is vigorously heady (no doubt owed largely to its freshness, only two months old at the time of writing) but always with the deep Taiwan mountain calm, not unsettled. I guess this cha qi will mellow with time. The aroma lingers on the cup long after the soup has been swallowed and hui gan is very strong and persists through many steepings.

But I suppose one of the main reasons I like to drink oriental beauty tea is the complexity and refinement of flavour. The flavour of this tea is very clear and refined. Variously sweet and savoury ranging through floral, fruity, woody, malty, and nutty (even cork and marzipan), and of course with sweet honey fragrance! But never overbalancing one way or another. There is also the bitter undertaste so popular with Taiwan competition style teas but not too much and, personally, I like some bitterness to tea. However, what stands out for me is the minerality – both in taste and aftertaste – persisting strongly after even twenty (or so) steepings – a strong indication that the soil and trees are very healthy, and not over-fertilised, over-irrigated, or over-harvested.

Feeling very fortunate to drink such a tea so fresh, not often possible outside Asia, thanks to the hard work and generosity of Mountain Stream Teas. But I also look forward to how this tea might mellow and deepen with time. Although the tea seems expensive I think the price is very good. They can go for a lot more especially if given official competition status. Thank you to MST.

Even a first look at the leaves gives the impression of beauty. Once brewed, you are met with a luxurious peony aroma and a honey-sweet flavor. The wet leaves smell so sweet and rich. A red velvet creaminess extends throughout the brewing session. And finally, there is the finale of being able to examine the leaves once the brewing is over, which are also quite interesting. It is an honor to be able to have experienced this tea!

Copper-brown amber tea soup with notes of citronella. rose, geranium, freshly-cut apple, mirabelle, canned fruits, wet woods. Milky and soft mouthfeel with a hint of minerality. This was sent as a gift with my order. Thank you!!!