Tue Oct 05, 2021 12:23 pm
Ethan Kulrand offers a Shan Lin Xi that I am planning to order later this month. I would be happy to send you a sample of the SLX when the order arrives.
While I have never tried Ethan's SLX, I am familiar with his Lishan, DYL, and Fushoushan . All them share a thick glycerol 'fat' texture that you might find appealing. As far as vegetal it might be easier to say what the teas are not, since vegetal covers many things include many flavorable attriibutes.
What they are not:
-They are not bitter type vegetable nor overly vegative in the nuclear green oolongs.
-They are not one dimensional as in only cooked spinach type oolongs.
-They don't bring to mind bitter cooked spinach taste-wise
What they are:
-Thick slippery glycerol texture that feels fat enough to chew in the mouth
-Varying degrees of subtle orchid without being overly floral or "stemmy" (vegeative)
-Sweet without 'tasting sweet' with some savory aspects too, more like the aroma of sweet spring grass, red and white cloer, sweet pea blossoms, fresh cut spring and summer hay suggestions of honey
-Refined and subtle yet powerful. Flavors don't hit you over the head but rather reveal themselves politely and with discretion. Having said that not under flavored by any stretch of the imagination - flavors are there but very refined and delicate - think of a polite deep conversation versus a brash and loud. one that lacks depth.
I realize this covers several different teas, none being SLX but I think it will give you an idea of the character of Ethan's teas.
There are many other excellent vendors here to try from. My expierence is limited due to health and budget so hopefuly others will chime in. I can't say that I have tasted tropical notes in my oolong experiences but remember there is a large degree of sensory variation among us that sometimes it is just easier to try as much as one can afford.
Again I am happy to send you a sample of the SLX from my next order. Due to health issues my tea drinking is limited to twice weekly so I really don't mind sharing : )
edited to amend tasting notes