Which Oolongs to try?

[Odinsfury]

I've put off getting into oolongs because I've been busy enjoying Japanese greens. I've tried the oolong #8 and the Pouchong from Adagio. I really liked the #8. The pouchong I thought was good but it ultimately failed to excite me. I've been looking at these samplers from the Tea from Taiwan site and I was wondering if that would be a good place to start.

[iannon]

for 9 bucks with shipping couldnt hurt much! I also tried some from Funalliance
http://funalliance.com/tea/tea.htm
you can get 3 ( you pick your own 3) about 10g samples for 7 bucks including shipping. they dont just have oolongs but i really enjoyed the TGY from there. you can also get 10g samples of rich barbarian (from ebay) oolongs for between 1.50 shipped and 4 shipped depending on grade. I got the supreme+ at 2.50 and liked it too

[teashionista]

I tried the Chong Pei sample pack from Teafromtaiwan, and liked it. As Odinsfury said, for $9 you can't go wrong, and this will give you a taste of several Taiwanese oolongs. Most of them are "greener", and some (including me) prefer more oxidized (traditional) versions. But tastes differ, and you have to try for yourself

Adagio's #8 looks like Bai Hao (Oriental Beauty). Although I haven't tried Adagio's version, I am a big fan of FloatingLeaves' Bai Hao. I always keep some on hand for my non-tea-drinking friends (I've not met many people who didn't like it) BTW, Oriental Beauty is probably the most oxidized of Taiwanese oolongs (baozhong being the opposite end of spectrum).

Have fun oolong tasting!!

[teashionista]

you can also get 10g samples of rich barbarian (from ebay) oolongs for between 1.50 shipped and 4 shipped depending on grade. I got the supreme+ at 2.50 and liked it too

Second this recommendation. I tried supreme and supreme+, and found the latter to be more enjoyable (and it lasts longer). They also have King grade ($4), which I haven't tried, but some reviews here were very favorable.

[hooksie]

If you enjoy jasmine scented, you cant go wrong with the jasmine pearls from adagio.

Teaspring also has a variety of oolongs; their Huang Jin Gui I found quite appealing.

I bought a multitude of new oolongs just recently, however one package only just got here (not enough time to test) and the other from teafromtaiwan is still in transit. Anything recommendable I'll be sure to post back.

[Tead Off]

I've put off getting into oolongs because I've been busy enjoying Japanese greens. I've tried the oolong #8 and the Pouchong from Adagio. I really liked the #8. The pouchong I thought was good but it ultimately failed to excite me. I've been looking at these samplers from the Tea from Taiwan site and I was wondering if that would be a good place to start.

That would be a great place to start. I just ordered more tea from them and can't wait to get it. Don't miss out on their samplers. They carry several organic Oolongs.
Da Yu Ling
Shang Ling Xi
Tsuei Luan
Long FengXia

These were my favorites.

[Odinsfury]

Thanks everyone, I got the first sampler pack listed and I'm looking forward to trying some.

[J.]

I haven,t tried a lot of wulongs but Milky Oolong is a real marvel according to me.

[teacast]

Personally I enjoy any Jasmine or Citrus flavored Oolongs, both from Adagio and otherwise. There are also many "earthy" Oolongs that are great for the morning! I really enjoy waking up to Pouchong or Oolong #40. Oolong #18 is all about the Jasmine flavor, just to give you an idea. It depends on what you want, but go for the more flavored Oolongs if you liked Jasmine, otherwise the others will pale in comparison. It's all about what you like!

[nimpercent]

I've put off getting into oolongs because I've been busy enjoying Japanese greens. I've tried the oolong #8 and the Pouchong from Adagio. I really liked the #8. The pouchong I thought was good but it ultimately failed to excite me. I've been looking at these samplers from the Tea from Taiwan site and I was wondering if that would be a good place to start.

That would be a great place to start. I just ordered more tea from them and can't wait to get it. Don't miss out on their samplers. They carry several organic Oolongs.
Da Yu Ling
Shang Ling Xi
Tsuei Luan
Long FengXia

These were my favorites.

You couldn't be more correct, I just ordered 150g of Tsuei Luan and Long Feng Xia, the sample packs are fun.

[Oni]

There are 4 provinces in china that produce oolong, Dancong - Guangdong, Wu YI rock oolong, Anxi oolong (4 famous ones), Taiwan - new chinese province with world famous tea, I suggest to slowly try them all, in every region there are diffrent quality teas, so I think every famous type of oolong should be tried out.

[wyardley]

There are 4 provinces in china that produce oolong, Dancong - Guangdong, Wu YI rock oolong, Anxi oolong (4 famous ones), Taiwan - new chinese province with world famous tea, I suggest to slowly try them all, in every region there are diffrent quality teas, so I think every famous type of oolong should be tried out.

Anxi and Wuyi come from different parts of the same province (Fujian). And despite what the government of mainland China may say, Taiwan is not a "province"; it's (currently) an autonomous country with its own government.

[cinaussi]

Hi there,

So talking about Wu Yi Wulong, you probably mean Da Hong Pao.

Da Hong Pao – is a truly rare tea, whose leaves are semi-oxidised to create its characteristic taste. Originally this tea was only grown on three trees, carefully nurtured for over 800 years on the Wu Yi Mountain. It was initially reserved for the Emperor, but with time numerous generations of cuttings were cultivated. Therefore, Da Hong Pao’s glimmering reddish buds, with their rich liquor and exceptional aftertaste, are now known to a wider audience and enjoyed all over the world – by connoisseurs who admire its fine, slightly sweet, velvety character, with its twist of peach.

HEALTH BENEFITS
Since the Ming Dynasty Da Hong Pao has been cherished for its long lasting bouquet, which relaxes the heart and the body – and for its generally positive effects on health.

PREPARATION
Quantity 2,5 g per 1000 ml
Water temperature 95° C
1st infusion 3 minutes
2nd infusion 5-6 minutes
3rd infusion 10 minutes
Da Hong Pao can be steeped up to six times and – according to ceremonial protocol – one should drink it slowly in small sips. Before brewing the tea, it is best to rinse the leaves and warm the teapot.

ORIGIN
Genuine Da Hong Pao only grows on the Wu Yi Mountain, either on one of the three legendary trees or the first four generations of cuttings.

[depravitea]

Before moving away from Seattle I bought a box of oolong from an AWESOME store called Uwajimaya. The brand was Yamamotoyama, and I regret not getting more. I have not been able to find a tea that tastes like that, bagged or loose, since. I'm not married to the brand, I just really like the taste. Anyone know of something similar?

[DQBunny]

Before moving away from Seattle I bought a box of oolong from an AWESOME store called Uwajimaya. The brand was Yamamotoyama, and I regret not getting more. I have not been able to find a tea that tastes like that, bagged or loose, since. I'm not married to the brand, I just really like the taste. Anyone know of something similar?

Uwajimaya in and of itself is one of the best stores EVER. I miss going to the one in Seattle so much. They have one in Oregon as well.