Oolong Box Pass

Owes its flavors to oxidation levels between green & black tea.


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Aug 17th, '08, 23:45
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by ABx » Aug 17th, '08, 23:45

shogun89 wrote:How many people are in line right now? Sounds interesting, I'm a pu nut but want to learn about Oolong, so if someone could give me a number of how many are on the waiting list that would be great! Thanks!!!!
Sorry, it's actually closed now. You can probably get in on the next one, though. See the first post in the thread.

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Aug 18th, '08, 00:05
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by Chip » Aug 18th, '08, 00:05

ABx wrote:
Chip wrote: Ahhh, so it does have a strong roast. I have not figured out if roasted Baozhong is more to my liking than light or non roasted offerings. I need to try more.

Thanx again, ABx.


It's actually not particularly strong, except perhaps compared to normal baozhong. At least what's in the box is very green and pretty much looks like any baozhong as far as the color.
Then the picture is not a good one. Looks pretty dark and definitely not green. Not sure how I feel about that since I was looking forward to trying it as described and pictured since I already know I like Baozhong. I am assuming the flavor profile is not as described as well either.

Thanx once more ABx!

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Aug 18th, '08, 09:13
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by shogun89 » Aug 18th, '08, 09:13

ABx wrote:
shogun89 wrote:How many people are in line right now? Sounds interesting, I'm a pu nut but want to learn about Oolong, so if someone could give me a number of how many are on the waiting list that would be great! Thanks!!!!
Sorry, it's actually closed now. You can probably get in on the next one, though. See the first post in the thread.

OK, that's fine, I will defiantly be here for the next one! Have fun guys! :D

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Aug 21st, '08, 03:35
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by ABx » Aug 21st, '08, 03:35

Don't worry Chip, I think you'll like it :) It's more like a regular baozhong, but with a few additional nuances in the background.

The box should be on it's way tomorrow if all goes according to plan. I've included a number of things including some Shui Xian from Hou De, some Darjeeling oolong, a sample tin of aged oolong from Imperial, and a couple other things.

I also included some stuff just for kdmidwife, as promised :) It's just for her, though, so I ask that nobody else open it.

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Aug 21st, '08, 16:36
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by PolyhymnianMuse » Aug 21st, '08, 16:36

Where is it going after that than? I saw the list of everyone on the first post again to check but i don't think that its completly accurate. No biggie of course, just curious :)

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Aug 21st, '08, 18:19
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by Victoria » Aug 21st, '08, 18:19

Yes the first post is accurate.
Unless someone made changes I'm not aware of.

In that case the box is to be forfeited and all the oolong
returned to me!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
:lol:

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Aug 21st, '08, 19:10
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by Geekgirl » Aug 21st, '08, 19:10

I got to meet ABx today for a cuppa and the box handoff today. Unfortunately, I couldn't stay and chat long, because my ride back to the 'burbs had an appointment. :(

This makes me think that we Portlanders should have a little tea meetup sometime soon, it would be great fun!

Anyways, this box is huge! (Maybe even a bit excessive?) It's actually just a bit intimidating, but carry on I shall. :lol: Naturally pictures will be forthcoming.

ABx, thanks for schlepping that giant box all the way downtown, and thanks also for the other samples. I'm just glad the couple at the next table didn't call law enforcement when they thought you were passing over something "chronic" in that little ziplock baggy. :lol: :twisted:

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Aug 21st, '08, 19:14
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by Victoria » Aug 21st, '08, 19:14

Oh cool you guys! Love it when tea chatters get to meet up!
Fun! Our ears were burning just a little. :wink:

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Aug 21st, '08, 20:14
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by ABx » Aug 21st, '08, 20:14

Hehehe, I probably should have put your samples in the box, but ah well. The people at the next table seemed to get a kick out of it :) It was fun, we should indeed have a Portland meetup. It's been a while since I've met online people, I forget how much fun it can be. We probably could have talked for much longer. Perhaps we could all make rounds to the different tea houses, though TeaZone is heads above Tao of Tea and Chai Te Tea.

Tao of Tea is also not willing to put any tea on ice the way these guys were, which really kinda irked me when I was there (ToT, that is).

I agree that the box is a bit much. To be honest, I'm quite glad I didn't have to pay for shipping. The extra teaware was a nice thought, but it really adds a lot to the box. I'm not sure the box will fit any more contributions unless it can be consolidated. I did actually intend to go through and try to re-organize the box, but never found the time.

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Aug 21st, '08, 22:41
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by Geekgirl » Aug 21st, '08, 22:41

First, pics:

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This is just the tea.

:shock:

Teawares, once unpacked, are not excessive, though certainly bulky. I'm going to try to repackage a bit. There are enough wares in there for someone who has no chinese style brewing equipment to try gongfu.

I haven't sorted through the teas much, but was pleased to find an assortment from some of the nicer online vendors, from whom I have not yet ordered. Excellent.

AAAAND... since I just attempted to slice off my knuckle this afternoon, I will not be working for the next several days, so I should have time to play. :roll:

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Aug 21st, '08, 23:11
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by Victoria » Aug 21st, '08, 23:11

Oh no!! You didn't bleed on the oolong I hope!!!
Awww just teasing- sorry - hope you heal quickly.
A nice extended weekend to play with tea is not so bad a consolation.

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Aug 21st, '08, 23:20
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by Geekgirl » Aug 21st, '08, 23:20

Nope, tea is clean. I am well bandaged.

Image

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Aug 21st, '08, 23:38
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by kymidwife » Aug 21st, '08, 23:38

ABx wrote:I also included some stuff just for kdmidwife, as promised :) It's just for her, though, so I ask that nobody else open it.
Thankkkkkkkkkkkkkk you 8)
***This organic blend is earthy & spicy, with a fragrant aroma & smooth flavor to captivate the senses. Naturally sweetened in the Kentucky sunshine & infused with natural energy. Equally delicious when served piping hot or crisply chilled.***

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Aug 23rd, '08, 18:03
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by Geekgirl » Aug 23rd, '08, 18:03

I've now sampled 4 teas from the passbox.

1) Teamasters Wenshan Baozhong, 2008 2year old tree spring oolong: Fantastic, easily the best oolong I've had.

2) Baozhong from FLT, very good. Would also have been a "fantastic" if I had not first had #1

3) Magnolia oolong, Tea Source. Very good, easy to drink tea. My husband really liked it for its mild and pleasing taste. I suspect this would be phenomenal as an iced tea with just a touch of honey for sweetener.

4) Hou De 2007 Spring Formosa "fo shou."


25% oxidized, high-fired roasting.

4.5g/120ml. rinse barely opened the leaves- common with high-fired teas.

90 second 1st steep medium liquor with a slightly smoky aroma. The most noticeable topnotes are caramel and tobacco. I've had several high fired oolongs that mainly tasted like liquid smoke. Disappointing! But this is a good one for the type.
After the 1st steep the leaves are significantly unrolled, though not fully... about what you would expect from green oolong types, that in itself is notable.

True to oolong form, it really starts to shine with the 3rd (1 minute) steep. All the smoke roughness is gone, except for a slight peppery feel on the back of the tongue.

The tea:

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Teadog strikes again:

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gah! once again, I really hate photobucket's sucky compression. Terrible artifacting. bleh.
Last edited by Geekgirl on Aug 23rd, '08, 23:09, edited 1 time in total.

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Aug 23rd, '08, 22:30
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by augie » Aug 23rd, '08, 22:30

GeekgirlUnveiled wrote:I've now sampled 4 teas from the passbox.
Awesome, feel free to keep trying more and posting pictures!!! Thx. Take care of that ringer.

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