New Teas In The Cafe - Risheehat First Flush Darjeeling, Jin Xuan Oolong, Wood Dragon Oolong

Each couple weeks I put out new teas, often reflecting the mood of the season. For this round, it was oolongs to embrace the start of the fall here in Colorado. These are here only for a limited time, as I usually only order a couple pounds, so I try and feature them so that our customers are aware of them.

New Teas – September 11, 2015

Fall brings our attention to the last days of summer and the first hints of winter – cool crisp mornings, warm days, and clear, relaxing nights. Oolong teas are similar to fall, with their aromas and flavors offering a mix of the growth and abundance associated with summer and the coolness and crispness associated with winter. To celebrate, we are pleased to offer three new oolongs:

• Risheehat First Flush Darjeeling – The Risheehat Estate, located in the north of the Darjeeling District, produces one of the finest First Flush Darjeelings available. 100% organic, this First Flush oolong* showcases why Darjeelings are recognized as the Champaign of Teas. Light and fruity, with hints of warm, floral notes that remind us of early summer days, this oolong is perfect as an afternoon tea on these last days of summer. *I refer to First Flushes as oolongs simply because they are not oxidized all the way, and tend to be closer to an oolong in that regard then a true black, such as a Second Flush or Assam. I know some people will not agree, but if we are looking at whites to blacks on a scale of oxidization, then First Flushes would fall in the oolong category, not in the black category.
  

  

  First Flush Risheehat Darjeeling from 2015

   
• Jin Xuan Oolong – Coming from the Wushe Mountains in Nantou County, Taiwan, this Jin Xuan has been expertly crafted to merge the transition from summer to fall. Produced by the Chou family, this tea was harvested in the spring from the Jin Xuan cultivar, before being lightly steamed over milk to create a fresh, sweet, creamy flavor with a smooth, full texture. A warming oolong, this tea is excellent for cool fall days that herald the colder months to come.

  

  Jin Xuan from Nantou, Taiwan - Beautifully shaped.

  
  

  

  The first steeping - the milky flavor is pronounced, but mellows with each steeping.

  
  
  
  
  

  

  Size comparison of unrolled leaves.

• Wood Dragon Oolong – A unique tea specifically made for one of our suppliers, Wood Dragon oolong comes from the same cultivar and area as our Jin Xuan above. However, that is where the similarity ends. Wood Dragon is 20% oxidized, medium roasted, made entirely by hand from the twigs and stems of the tea bush. Relatively low in caffeine, this fiery and nutty oolong is perfect for the longer nights and shorter days that fall brings.

  

  Wood Dragon - Coming from the Jin Xuan varietal.

  
  

  

  A delicious woodsy, roasting, toasty flavor.