Alright, let’s yak about oolong tea, the kinda tea that ain’t just plain water, you know? It’s got a bit more kick to it, like a good gossip session.

Now, I ain’t no fancy tea expert, mind you. I just like a good cuppa, and oolong, well, it hits the spot sometimes. I’ve heard folks sayin’ it’s a mix of that green tea and that black tea, but to me, it just tastes like…oolong, ya know? Simple as that.

What’s the big deal with oolong tea anyways?

Well, I reckon it’s like this, some folks just like the taste. It ain’t bitter like some teas, and it ain’t weak neither. It’s kinda in-between, like a comfy old shoe. And I’ve heard tell it’s got some good stuff in it, like them things that keep your insides runnin’ smooth. But I ain’t no doctor, so don’t quote me on that.

• Some oolong teas are strong, real strong. The kind that make your eyes pop open.
• Some are light and flowery. Like a spring day, all sunshine and whatnot.
• And then there’s all the kinds in between. It’s enough to make your head spin, to be honest.

So, what about them oolong tea brands?

Now, that’s where it gets tricky. There’s a whole heap of ’em out there, more than you can shake a stick at. I can’t tell you ’bout all of ’em, but I can tell you ’bout a few I’ve heard whispers about.

One fella was talkin’ ’bout somethin’ called “Competition Grade Tie Guan Yin.” Said it was the best darn oolong he ever had. Said it was from some place called Yunnan Sourcin’. Sounded mighty fancy to me, and probably cost a pretty penny too. But he swore it was worth every cent. Said the flavor was so strong, it made his tongue dance.

Then there’s them Taiwan teas. I heard them Taiwanese folks know a thing or two about growin’ tea. They got them mountains over there, all high up and misty. Perfect for tea, they say. And they grow a whole bunch of different kinds, more than 25 just in one little spot, so I heard.

There’s one they call “Rishi Iron Goddess of Mercy.” Sounds like somethin’ out of a storybook, don’t it? People seem to like it though. Say it’s one of the best overall, whatever that means.

Look, at the end of the day, the best oolong tea is the one you like best. Don’t let nobody tell you different. Go on and try a few, see what tickles your fancy. Maybe you’ll like that fancy “Competition Grade” stuff. Maybe you’ll like somethin’ a little more down-to-earth. It’s all a matter of taste, you see?

And don’t get too hung up on the price neither. Just ’cause somethin’ costs a lot don’t mean it’s good, and just ’cause somethin’s cheap don’t mean it’s bad. Use your own judgment, that’s what I say.

And another thing, don’t be afraid to ask questions. If you’re at the store, ask the fella behind the counter. If you’re online, read them reviews. But take them reviews with a grain of salt, mind you. Some folks just like to complain.

Well, that’s all I got to say ‘bout oolong tea. Hope it helped a little. Now, if you’ll excuse me, I gotta go put the kettle on.

Tags：oolong tea, tea brands, Tie Guan Yin, Taiwanese oolong, Rishi tea, tea benefits, tea flavors, loose leaf tea