tea today: wen shan bao zhong & lavender oolong from naivetea

Sometimes all it takes is a steamed aroma to remind you that magical leaf can truly transform a moment. That's exactly how I feel about Oolong tea, especially on chillier days when I'm seeking a smoky sip to warm my heart.

Naivetea kindly sent me a few of their Oolongs to sample. To state it rather simply, each tea was truly incredible. I started my Naivetea journey with their Wen Shan Bao Zhong, a "premium grade Bao Zhong cultivated at the highest altitude tea farm in Ping Lin." After bringing the water to a boil, I allowed it to cool for two minutes. I steeped one tablespoon of the long, twisted leaves in my cup for 50 seconds.

The intense floral notes swept away thoughts of chilled air outside the window, and reminded me that spring is near. My imagination wandered to thoughts of walking into a garden or greenhouse after  the first bloom. The perfume of the bouquet continued to blossom, sip after sip. The delicate, warming sensation on the palate was so very soothing as the fragrance of bright orchids and creamy osmanthus flowers lingered. A finale of subtle sweetness and a slight nutty flavor. This smooth and delicate sip of lightly roasted leaves is delightful.

 

Later that evening, I steeped a small cup of their lavender oolong. First sip, oolong's floral notes are in harmony with the soothing aroma of lavender. The fragrant flower is the star of the opening act, but the flavor gently meanders until it reaches the smooth, sweet oolong taste. This delicate oolong blend is light and refreshing, as if the lavender buds had just blossomed and the spring air wandered in with wisps of the aroma. A soothing sip.

And if you want to keep the water on for one more steep of Naivetea's Oolong tea, take a peek at my review of their high mountain Taiwanese Dong Ding oolong in a previous post (hint: scroll down).