A few days ago, I got my hands on some Lishan Oolong tea. It smelled really good when I opened it, so I was eager to give it a try.

First, I heated up some water. You don’t want it boiling, just hot enough. I usually go by the bubbles – not too big, not too small. While the water was heating up, I got my teapot ready. It’s a small clay pot, just big enough for a couple of cups. I rinsed the teapot with some hot water, just to warm it up a bit and get rid of any dust.

Then, I put the tea leaves into the pot. About a spoonful, maybe a bit more. I poured the hot water over the leaves, just enough to cover them. Let it sit for like, ten seconds? Then poured that water out. This is to “wake up” the leaves, or something like that. I don’t know the exact term, but it makes the tea taste better.

After that, I filled the pot with hot water again. This time, I let it steep for about a minute. Maybe a little longer, depending on how strong I want it. I could smell the tea brewing, and it was a really nice, fragrant smell. It reminds me of flowers, but not too strong, you know?

Finally, I poured the tea into my cup. It was a beautiful golden color, very clear. I took a sip, and wow. It was so smooth, and it had a really nice sweet aftertaste that just stayed with me.

• First brew: Just a hint of sweetness, very refreshing.
• Second brew: The flavor really opened up, it was stronger, and the sweetness was more noticeable.
• Third brew: Still good, but a bit lighter than the second. The sweetness was still there, though.

I kept brewing the same leaves a few more times, and each time the flavor was a little different, but still enjoyable. By the end, I was feeling really relaxed and satisfied.

In Conclusion

This Lishan Oolong is definitely a winner. It’s smooth, it’s sweet, and it’s just really pleasant to drink. I’m no tea expert, but I know what I like, and this is definitely something I’ll be drinking again. If you get a chance, give it a try! You might like it too.