A flavored oolong with a strong taste of milk.

vendor: yunnan sourcing

origin: fujian, china

leaf appearance: tightly rolled balls

first infusion: 25 seconds

following infusions: +5 seconds

water temperature: 210°F | 99° C

liquor: pale yellow

Leaf

The leaves are tightly rolled, green buds. The aroma of the dry leaves smells like cream. When rinsed, the warm leaves give out a stronger aroma, exuding milk and vegetal notes. The leaves unravel as more infusions are completed.

Gaiwan

Liquor

The liquor was a pale yellow liquor with a strong scent of milk. That same flavor is heavy throughout the first few infusions and fades towards the end due to the additional flavoring. The flavoring coats the tongue, leaving a slight artificial aftertaste. As the creaminess disappears, it gives way to vegetal notes and a slight bitterness and astringency.

Reflection

Because this was my first milk oolong experience, I really wanted to like this tea. However, the additional milk flavoring was too strong for my taste. Contrary to the vendor’s description of the tea, you can’t steam tea in milk. Flavored teas like this Jin Xuan are sprayed with artificial milk flavoring during the rolling process. This artificial flavoring does taste artificial.

This certainly isn’t my cup of tea, but if you enjoy a heavy milk flavor, this tea might be just right for you!

Try again?

No, however I’m glad I was able to add a flavored milk oolong to my tea journey.