Okay, so I’ve been getting into Taiwanese high mountain oolong teas lately. It’s a whole different world of tea, man. I decided to dive deep and try brewing some myself, and let me tell you, it’s been a fun ride.

Getting the Goods

First things first, I needed to get my hands on some legit high mountain oolong. I did some digging online, found a reputable tea shop, and ordered a small batch of Alishan oolong. The package arrived, and I eagerly tore it open. The tea leaves were these tightly rolled, dark green nuggets. They smelled so fresh, kind of like flowers and butter.

Brewing Time

Now, brewing this tea is a bit different from your regular cuppa. I used my gaiwan, which is this traditional Chinese brewing vessel. I warmed it up with some hot water, then tossed in a good amount of leaves – like, enough to cover the bottom of the gaiwan.

The first steep was just a quick rinse to “wake up” the leaves. I poured hot water (around 195°F, I didn’t go full boil) over the leaves and immediately discarded it. This helps to remove any dust and prepare the leaves for optimal infusion.

• First Steep: Rinse (discard)
• Second Steep: 30 seconds. I poured the hot water over the leaves and let them steep. The aroma in my kitchen was just amazing, super floral.
• Third Steep: 45 seconds. Each steep, I increased the time by about 15 seconds. The color of the tea started to get this beautiful golden hue.
• Fourth, Fifth, Sixth Steeps…: I kept going, increasing the steep time. Honestly, I lost count of how many steeps I did. The tea just kept giving!

Tasting Notes

The taste? Man, it’s complex. The first few steeps were light and floral, with a hint of sweetness. As I kept brewing, the flavor got richer, more buttery, and even a little creamy. It had this lingering sweetness that stuck around on my tongue. No bitterness at all, even after multiple steeps.

Final Thoughts

Brewing high mountain oolong is a real treat. It’s not just about the taste, it’s the whole process. You get to watch the leaves unfurl, smell the evolving aromas, and taste the different nuances with each steep. I’m definitely hooked. This is my new favorite way to enjoy tea. It’s a calming and enjoyable experience, perfect for winding down after a long day. I’m excited to try other varieties of Taiwanese high mountain oolongs and see what else this amazing tea has to offer. The journey has been so delicious, I can’t wait to explore more!