Adagio Oolong Varieties

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Sep 20th, '08, 22:04
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Adagio Oolong Varieties

by geeber1 » Sep 20th, '08, 22:04

I'm a novice about Oolongs and was wondering if someone could tell me what varieties of Oolong the Adagio #8 and #40 are. I can't find it in the descriptions of the teas.

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Sep 21st, '08, 00:27
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by scruffmcgruff » Sep 21st, '08, 00:27

They both look like "Oriental Beauty" (a.k.a. "Bai Hao") to me. This is the most highly-oxidized (on average anyway) oolong variety, and is thus closer to being a black tea than other oolongs. It is similar to most modern Darjeeling blacks in flavor.
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Sep 21st, '08, 01:02
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by Wesli » Sep 21st, '08, 01:02

Yes, it is most likely bai hao. Regardless, they are both highly oxidized Taiwanese teas.

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Sep 21st, '08, 13:10
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by geeber1 » Sep 21st, '08, 13:10

Thanks, guys! :)

If they are both Bai Hao, what is the difference between them? Is it the level of oxidation? I'm mainly wondering because the #40 is way more expensive than the #8.

Can you suggest another vendor that sells equally good quality or better of these varieties? I've been really happy with Adagio, but it can't hurt to shop around, right?

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Sep 21st, '08, 13:23
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by scruffmcgruff » Sep 21st, '08, 13:23

geeber1 wrote:Thanks, guys! :)

If they are both Bai Hao, what is the difference between them? Is it the level of oxidation? I'm mainly wondering because the #40 is way more expensive than the #8.

Can you suggest another vendor that sells equally good quality or better of these varieties? I've been really happy with Adagio, but it can't hurt to shop around, right?
It's really hard to tell from the photos, but it's most likely just a matter of quality. I wouldn't be much help in pointing you to other vendors; I really don't like bai hao so I've only had a couple. Sorry!
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Sep 21st, '08, 15:01
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by Chip » Sep 21st, '08, 15:01

Yeah, the #40 seems to have more "silver tips" which is generally touted to be a higher quality. Thus the cost is also much higher. The leaf color also looks better with the #40, maybe less oxidized, or maybe the #8 has been slightly roasted.

If you are interested in opinions on other oolong, I would suggest you visit the Oolong category where there is extensive information on other vendors' offerings.

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Sep 21st, '08, 17:32
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by geeber1 » Sep 21st, '08, 17:32

Thanks, Chip.

I posted it under Adagio since I was specifically asking about their Oolongs, but I will look under the regular Oolong topics if I decide to try someone else.

I have been totally happy with Adagio so won't be changing anytime soon.

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