Dong Ding

[TokyoB]

This looks like quite an oolong sampler, and certainly won't break the bank. They also have some other oolong samplers.

http://www.aurateas.com/sale_tea-24_Ool ... etail.aspx

I've never ordered from them but I think others here have.

[TokyoB]

The FLT one is only a light-moderate roast... I think the Hou De is a little more roasted (though can't remember if I've had that one specifically).

Is the FLT dong ding that you're referring to the winter or spring 2009?

I believe it's the one I linked to directly above... probably spring 09 harvest. The one she got on her recent trip.

Will - sorry, I missed your earlier link. I saw the FLT spring dong-ding described as traditional and the winter as modern, light roast. I was hoping the spring would be a heavy roast so that it would be more suitable for aging. Sounds like that isn't the case.

[wyardley]

I saw the FLT spring dong-ding described as traditional and the winter as modern, light roast. I was hoping the spring would be a heavy roast so that it would be more suitable for aging. Sounds like that isn't the case.

I wouldn't call it a heavy roast, but everyone seems to have a different scale for that. I think it would age well.

[tenuki]

I saw the FLT spring dong-ding described as traditional and the winter as modern, light roast. I was hoping the spring would be a heavy roast so that it would be more suitable for aging. Sounds like that isn't the case.

You want the 2009 Spring Traditional Dong Ding from FLT, it is both more oxidized (part of the 'traditional' processing) and roasted than the current 'popular' green style. This one is my absolute favorite of all the FLT 2009 spring oolong selections, a really good value, the quality is higher than the price IMO. Very balanced tea with great mouthfeel and dong ding character.

If you liked the 2008 winter traditional dong ding (which sold out very fast) you will love this one.

Her regular dong ding (2008 winter dong ding) is more the green style, but although decent not great. It is of course cheaper too.

[TokyoB]

tenuki - Thanks! I just ordered 4 oz of the Spring Traditional DD from FLT, along with some DaYuLing and aged Buddha-hand. Have you tried the aged Buddha-hand?

[wyardley]

Have you tried the aged Buddha-hand?

I tried some the other day. I think it's pretty good. The tea is well balanced and the roast is pretty good; I used a ton of leaf and it didn't get too astringent or bitter. To me, there was a strong honey taste. There's a smell in the dry leaves that made me think it was going to be mustier than it actually was. The brewed tea was quite pleasant and sweet. It has a little of a very particular type of sweetness that I usually taste in certain types of pu'er... almost like an artificial sweetener or something like that. There's also an oxidized "black / red tea" kind of taste in the background. I also felt kind of hot while drinking it. It's a '91 tea and it's not a tea that was super heavily roasted originally, so there's still some freshness to it. I'll try and make it again in a day or two and post some more feedback.

I made the Da Yu Ling this morning. It's not a style I'm usually into, but I liked it quite a bit overall. Definitely on the vegetal side (but not unpleasantly so) with a strong savory / amino acid component, and some milkiness, and there seems to be (to me) just a touch of both roast and oxidation in there, so it's not unbearably green. It's a subtle tea, not a hit-you-over-the-head tea (and I mean that as a compliment). I think I slightly prefer the Alishan Traditional from last year, but I'm considering picking some of this up while it's still available.

[tea fish]

If you're looking for a bolder Dong Ding, you might like the one from teafromtaiwan.com. It's more roasted than most Dong Dings...it's kind of malty and plummy, really nice.

Here's the link to it if you're interested:

http://www.teafromtaiwan.com/pid_75.htm

[TokyoB]

If you're looking for a bolder Dong Ding, you might like the one from teafromtaiwan.com. It's more roasted than most Dong Dings...it's kind of malty and plummy, really nice.

Here's the link to it if you're interested:

http://www.teafromtaiwan.com/pid_75.htm

tea fish - Thanks. Is it more oxidized as well?

[Tead Off]

The Dong Ding from teafromtaiwan is more heavily roasted than most but I'm not sure about the oxidation level. You can email Ross there and ask him.

This was my first introduction into traditional roast DD and after several brews, putting aside my initial negative reaction, I can see how some might like the stronger sweetness and roasty quality of this tea. I'm not sure if I'd buy this one again, probably not, as my taste runs toward the greener Gaoshans.

In comparing the Spring 2009 Da Yu Ling, Shan Ling Xi, and, Long Feng Xia, to the Winter 2008, I prefer the latter. This spring's crop tends to be a tad too light for me. The winter has more complexity, flavor, and, aroma, IMO. But, the spring batch is still some very good tea but more delicate and refined. Da Yu Ling might be close to the top of my favorite list. I still have an unopened Spring 2009 Wu ling to try. BTW, Ross says that all of these are organic.

[tenuki]

tenuki - Thanks! I just ordered 4 oz of the Spring Traditional DD from FLT, along with some DaYuLing and aged Buddha-hand.

That's a good list. I like the Li Shan better, unless I'm drinking the DaYuLing. hahaha. Make sure you use good spring water like Fiji or similar for he DaYuLing, and get the boiling really going, it's a crisp, subtle yummy tea that reveals it's complexity to skill and care.

Have you tried the aged Buddha-hand?

Yes, it is a very good representation of what a typical aged tea is 'supposed' to be like I think. If you go into the shop you can also sample the other typical flavor profile of aged tea which is more herbal, but not for sale on the website.

The sweet plum smell and taste is very evident, with aged smell and balanced flavor profile that favors the sides and center back of the tounge. ok mouthfeel and aftertaste. I've been spoiled with some extremely exceptional aged teas this year and this one, while not in that class (or price range), holds it's own for the price. It is not very long lasting however, only get about 4-5 good brews out of it before the bottom starts droping out. Very pleasant tea, not something I would buy at this point, but something I like drinking if it's around. Good value for those curious about aged tea characteristics IMO.

[tenuki]

In comparing the Spring 2009 Da Yu Ling, Shan Ling Xi, and, Long Feng Xia, to the Winter 2008, I prefer the latter. This spring's crop tends to be a tad too light for me. The winter has more complexity, flavor, and, aroma, IMO. But, the spring batch is still some very good tea but more delicate and refined.

That is a very typical comparison of winter vs spring harvest in general. I usually prefer winter harvest as well, for all the same reasons, but the there are always exceptions every season, so it is worth getting both.

[TokyoB]

I've been spoiled with some extremely exceptional aged teas this year and this one, while not in that class (or price range), holds it's own for the price. It is not very long lasting however, only get about 4-5 good brews out of it before the bottom starts droping out. Very pleasant tea, not something I would buy at this point, but something I like drinking if it's around. Good value for those curious about aged tea characteristics IMO.

tenuki - what aged teas do you like? any that are still available?
Thanks.

[tea fish]

tea fish - Thanks. Is it more oxidized as well?

Just to second Tead Off, I think that asking Ross is your best bet. I don't know what the oxidation level of the teafromtaiwan DD is.

[tenuki]

tenuki - what aged teas do you like? any that are still available?
Thanks.

No, all of the ones I was referring to were either from friend's stashes or private reserve stuff.

[Odinsfury]

The Dong Ding sample I tried from Teafromtaiwan.com was the best sample out of the bunch.