Oolong teas

Oolong teas are semi-oxidised, that is to say that they sit some way between green teas (unoxidised) and black teas (oxidised) on a scale and therefore present a wide range of flavours.
Oolongs can be broadly split into two groups: light and dark, depending on the percentage oxidation allowed, and their subsequent firing in the oven (temperature and length of time are critical here of course). The strength of flavour corresponds broadly also with these categorisations, with the darker oolongs having deeper and more chocolatey flavours, with the green oolongs much lighter and more refreshing.

Dark Oolongs

With their mysterious, deep nuanced flavours, these 50-80% fermented oolongs are popular as accompaniments to savoury dishes.
  • Organic China Dark Oolong   £2.89 /100g
    A long-fired and cost-effective dark oolong with a pleasant nose reminiscent of a freshly opened tin of tobacco. In terms of flavour, an edgy, almost sharp note comes through providing a foil for the underlying flavour of black tea.
  • Wu Yi "Da Hong Pao" (Big Red Robe)   £8.99 /50g
    One of China's ten famous teas, this is an absolute classic. Subtle nuances both in the nose and on the palate are abundant, and the overall effect is one of a phenomenally well balanced tea, produced with inordinate care and attention to detail. Uttely delicious and for those who enjoy teas which are full of mystery and promise, a perfect choice.
  • Orange Blossom Oolong   £3.29 /100g
    One of our favourites, and especially popular with those coming to oolong teas for the first time. The deep, dark undertones of the chinese dark oolong are all there, but enhanced and built upon by the addition of orange blossoms and orange oils which provide scintillating top-notes to the flavour which draw you into the cup and entice the drinker to rebrew the leaves once more.

Light / Green Oolongs

Deliciously refreshing and rebrewable over and over again, the green oolong is prised by many oriental cultures as one of the hardest tea styles to create. Indeed, they might also argue that it can be one of the hardest to prepare 'correctly'. We, on the other hand, recommend a teapot and a sprinkling of inspired intuition.
  • Vietnamese Imperial Oolong   £3.89 /100g
    The Vietnamese are not known for the quality of their teas in general, owing to the high level of consumption within the nation itself as much as terrain and climate challenges. However, here we find one of the country's gems.
    Produced high in the hills of central Vietnam, this light and buttery oolong is rolled into pearls, and unfurls as it brews, yielding a sweet, refreshing liquor, with citrus notes, and a velveteen finish. Utterly gorgeous.