So, I’ve been on this tea kick lately, and let me tell you, it’s been a trip. I really wanted to try some oolong tea. Specifically, I got it in my head that I needed to try some of that oolong from Taiwan. It’s supposed to be really good, you know?

First, I checked out a bunch of different stores online. I found one site that had tons of options. I looked at oolong from Lishan, Nantou, and Alishan, apparently these are the places in Taiwan where they grow this stuff. But man, it was kind of overwhelming.

I started reading about how the altitude and the soil make a difference in the tea’s flavor, but honestly, it was all a bit over my head. I just wanted to try some good tea!

Digging Deeper

Then, I dove into forums and blogs, trying to figure out which region was the “best.” Turns out, Taiwan’s got oolong growing all over the place. Each region has its own thing going on, its own unique flavor profile. This just made it harder to choose!

I decided to focus on high mountain oolongs, ’cause they’re supposed to be the top-notch stuff. After hours of reading reviews and comparing prices, I finally pulled the trigger on a small batch from a farm in Lishan. They said it was hand-picked and all that jazz, so I figured, why not?

When the package finally arrived, I was stoked. I carefully opened it up and was hit with this amazing aroma. It smelled kind of floral, but also a little bit sweet. I followed the brewing instructions on the package to a T – water temperature, steeping time, the whole nine yards.

The Moment of Truth

And then, I took my first sip. Wow. Just, wow. It was so smooth and complex. It had this light, almost buttery taste, with a hint of that floral scent I smelled earlier. I could totally see why people make such a big deal about Taiwanese oolong.

• Experimenting with Brewing: I started playing around with the brewing time and water temperature.
• Finding My Preference: Turns out, I like it a little stronger, so I let it steep for a bit longer.
• Enjoying the Process: It’s become a little ritual for me now. Taking the time to brew it just right, and then savoring each sip.

I’ve been drinking this Lishan oolong almost every day since, and I’m still amazed by the flavor. It’s definitely worth the hype, and the somewhat confusing journey to get there. This whole experience has really opened my eyes to the world of tea. It’s way more complex than I ever imagined!

Now I want to try oolongs from other regions in Taiwan. Alishan and Nantou are next on my list. I’m officially hooked. If you’re thinking about trying some Taiwanese oolong, just do it. You won’t regret it. Just be prepared for a bit of a learning curve!