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Formosa Damanzhong Baihao Oolong Choicest
坪林大慢種白毫烏龍
TN1104
Formosa Natural Damanzhong Baihao Oolong Choicest Grade
(Formosa Bai Hao Oolong, Formosa Imperial Oolong, Formosa Oriental Beauty, Formosa Dongfeng Mei Ren)
Naturally gorwn, pesticide free
Origin: Pinglin, Taipei,Taiwan 坪林‧台北‧台灣
Style: Medium-deep oxidiced Oolong, full bodied, ripe fruit note, honey sweet finish
Loose leaf style: Long twisted leaf with bud
Loose leaf color: Mixed of black, brunet, dark green, chaki, and white buds
Wet leaf style: Brunet
Tea color: Golden Honey
Damanzhong is a special varietal for Baihao Oolong only grown in Pinglin, Taipei. It produces more white buds than other varietal. The name 「Damanzhong」 indicates its slow growing progress, only harvest in June. Along with the honey and fruity flavor of Baihao Oolong, it also yields unique pear undertones.
Baihao Oolong, also known as Oriental Beauty (Dongfang Mei Ren) or Formosa Imperial Oolong, is one of the top grade Formosa Oolongs in Taiwan. This is another gift from the little tea bug 「green leaf cicadas」. After the bugs tasted the tea leaf, it becomes sweet and fruity. It is said the name of 「Oriental Beauty」 was chosen by Queen Elizabeth because of the delicate taste and the colorful appearance of the tea. Baihao Oolong is grown naturally without any pesticide, uses only top buds and top leaves. The name 「Baihao」 came from the white buds of the tea. The production is extremely labor intensive, and only harvest in summer.
Baihao Oolong is medium-deep oxidized (65%), and is very different to other light oxidized Formosa Oolong Teas. As it was marketed in the western world for more than one century, it almost stands for the tern 「Formosa Oolong」. In fact, this is also the deepest oxidized Oolong tea produced in Taiwan.
This batch is from 2007 summer "choicest grade" (the top grade of Baihao Oolong"), very limited available.
Brewing:
Steep 2 teaspoon tea leaf in 120c.c.(4oz) 80°C(176F) hot water for 1 minute, add another 20-30 seconds for following infustions. Serve 3-6 or more infusions.
Teaware:
Glassware, Gaiwan, or porcelain teaware
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REVIEW BY: Jason Witt Reviewed
13 July 2009 |
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I tried to be kind to the regular Baihao Oriental Beauty from Aura Teas but it was a bit of a stretch. It was too much like a fine Black Tea and didn't satisfy my craving for Oolong enough. Well, this is the solution to the problem. The answer? This Damanzhong Bahaio Oolong. And I can tell you why in one word: pear. Those pear undertones are so prevalent and so pleasant that I just fell for this tea. It's true to the pear fruit in that it isn't overly sweet and even has a delicate mouthfeel that's reminiscent of the tenderness of the pear pulp as compared to a crisp apple for instance. There are other more common Oolong fruit flavors and I've experienced most of them but I never before tasted a good pearlike fruitiness. But don't be fooled--this isn't flavored with bits of fruit. This is the natural subtle flavor of the tea that's come out due to its processing as an Oolong. Peach, raisin, and melon are all more common fruitiness impressions of fine Oolongs. I'll have to give this tea a high rating because it seems rare to taste pear in it. It's exotic. And I'm convinced of the Oriental Beauty brand. This is one pretty woman.
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