Unraveling the Mystery of an Elusive Oolong
This is worth savoring: A friend’s mysterious tea from China has left even seasoned palates stumped. Two varieties—Longjing’s crisp greenness and Shui Xian’s earthy depth—are identified, but the third defies easy classification. It leans into high mountain Taiwanese oolong territory, yet its flavor profile strays from the familiar. Instead of floral delicacy, it leans into vegetal clarity, with buttery undertones that feel more like a whisper than a flourish. The question isn’t just about identification—it’s about decoding a tea that resists easy categorization. The key lies in the interplay of oxidation and terroir. Taiwanese oolongs often balance floral and vegetal…