Shan Lin Shi Oolong (Naivetea)

Oolongs can be some of the most wonderful teas in the world. They’re smooth and ephemeral. This wonderful Taiwanese oolongcreated near the Shan Lin Shi refuge from Naivetea is very pleasant to drink.

The dry leaves of this tea are very dark curled balls. Their dark green hue matches well with the heavy but smooth aroma. My imagination runs wild at the thought of this tea being cultivated so high up, and near a protected wilderness area. It seems like a truly exciting place!

When brewed the leaves produce a bright yellow liquor that’s completely transparent. The steeped aroma is smooth and easy with overtones of grilled leeks and hints of other vegetal flavors.

On the palate the brew remains smooth. A buttery texture emerges as it coats the entirety of the mouth. There’s no astringency here at all. The liquor is very heavy in the mouth, a byproduct of its creaminess. The flavors remain vegetal, but are seriously subdued. Roasted leeks remain on my mind the most.

I recommend this oolong to fans of oolongs, but especially to fans of Milk Oolongs.