Tea from TAIWAN:
AGED, TRADITIONALLY-ROASTED, LISHAN OOLONG (Picked & rolled by hand):
1. Organic: FATHER LOVE: Highest quality leaves from high from the producer's family farm high up Mt. Li were carefully selected for medium oxidation then were carefully charcoal-roasted for 2 1/2 days in bamboo baskets that were rotated every 20 - 30 minutes; then, the leaves were aged 6 years in sealed ceramic urns. Drinkers enjoy delicious flavor that is pronounced yet smooth w/ a subtle complexity. If savoring the tea, one might pick out specific notes (sometimes tart fruits, sometimes very mild spice). No tea is better for very long sessions. A modest amount of leaves is good for several excellent infusions. An opened pack that is tightly banded or clipped may be used for years. 50 grams $50.
2. Aged 22 years: Harvested 1998: This is very much like Father Love in its origins & production but is a more muted brew great for drinking in copious amounts (i.e., it is very easy on the body). When drinking this in 2 sessions with tea masters, I noticed that when conversation was interesting to them, they would not drink. I think this means that this tea is special enough to deserve drinkers' full attention. A modest amount of leaves is good for several excellent infusions. A tightly-closed, opened pack may be used for years. 75 grams $60.
GAOSHAN (lightly-oxidized, high-altitude oolong): Note: These leaves (of Spring 2020) are better than usual. A modest amount of leaves are good for several excellent infusions:
1. SHANLINXI: Excellent, refreshing green oolong that produces sweetness & floral notes along with vegetal taste similar to the other gaoshan. 50 grams $20.
2. LONGFANSHIU: Refreshing green flavor that is tempered by the light oxidation & very light sweetness. Tasty flavor builds up in drinkers' mouths after 2 or 3 rounds. (Picked & rolled by hand.) 50 grams $40.
3. DAYULING: These wonderful green leaves were produced perfectly to let us enjoy top quality lightly roasted oolong. So well balanced & delicious. Some pleasant buildup of a flavor slightly different than what is first in one's mouth helps make this tea special. A couple of times a year, a regular drinker of this DYL may be surprised by to experience some most pleasant, light chaqi. (Picked & rolled by hand.) 40 grams $38.
ORGANIC BLACK TEA:
1. CHAMPIONSHIP BLACK: Top quality, pesticide- free LIshan leaves are perfectly processed to give drinkers a full, dynamic, delicious enjoyment of black tea. For many people this is not only their favorite black tea but also one of their favorites of everything they drink. Good for 2 excellent infusions with Western preparation or many infusions when prepared gongfu style. 60 grams $48.
2. ALISHAN BLACK: Various tasty flavors of this tea can be highlighted by varying steeping time. Fuller in body than oolong but has complex array of flavors like well-oxidized, unroasted oolong. Good for 2 excellent infusions. 75 grams $40.
ORIENTAL BEAUTY (THNG FANG MEI JEA): Free of pesticides:
An interesting & complex OB, this cultivar is not the one that is most commonly used for OB. Compelling as tartness & touch of spice are grounded in a mild sweetness in a comforting way. The brew seems has unique balance & refinement that especially pleases people who usually don't get thrilled by by drinking the kind of teas that we focus on on teaforum. The tea offered here is from a rare, exceptionally dynamic season that shows how much more OB can offer. Prepared Western style, leaves are good for 3 infusions. Though not priced so, this is vintage tea. 50 grams $35.
ORGANIC WHITE TEA from NEPAL:
SILVER TIPS: Delicate leaf-buds provide a few infusions of wonderful fresh flavors. At first, flavors are very delicate then come on stronger as most pleasant aftertaste. Some drinkers quickly enjoy pleasant cha-qi feeling in head. Can be steeped for very short times; lengthy steeping provides deeper flavor that is more immediately (one need wait for the aftertaste to kick in). Especially good for drinking in large amounts & enjoying Himalayan flavors & qualities in a gentle way. 40 grams $20; 90 grams $40.
To order send me a PM or email
merrill23k@yahoo.com. $8 postage for addresses in USA,