TeaChat

Hello,
I like the taste of black teas, but it seems like a lot of them that I have tried are very astringent tasting which really dries my mouth out. I had some golden monkey tonight and it was that way. Is this typical? I don't like a fruity after taste/sweet aftertaste either.
I tried Shui Xiang Oolong and it was a little too sweet for me.. White peony tea was not bad though. The green is a little to grassy smelling for me.
Can anybody suggest some smooth teas they like? I have an organic loose leaf puerh that is my favorite right now; strong flavor, earthy, and great finish with no sweet flavor or astringency that I notice. Thanks!

"Tried oolong and it wasn't my thing": oolong *is* where you'll find the most smooth-finished teas.

What oolong(s) did you try & decide weren't your thing?

I tried Shui Xiang Oolong. I thought it was a little too sweet.

There are so many different oolongs....and the same name can apply to very differently processed versions of the same tea: e.g., Tie Guan Yin can be a floral, sweet, delicate, almost green tea; or a deeply roasted, toasty, spicy, earthy tea. Was your Shui Xian a greener/lighter or darker/spicier version?

I'd say lighter and greener definitely.