Tea Review: Tea Ave’s Tie Kwan Yin

Steep Time: 3 minutes

First Sip Thought: “Summer fruit pies.”

Smell: A nice balance of fruitiness and sweetness fill the air when the package of this tea is open and even beginning to steep. It is a combination that would definitely remind one of their favourite fruit pie that is slightly golden on the top for that crunchy bite and baked smell to give off the full aroma from this roasted oolong.

Taste: Prepared in my gaiwan as per instructions on the ever so detailed packaging, this oolong was one I found myself savouring every last bit. More and more I’m realizing that roasted oolongs are becoming a special steep for me. A light yellow shade makes an appearance while the beautiful rolled leaves are steeping in the filtered water. Afterwards, you’ll notice the spent leaves showing off their big, lovely size. 

With a light body and mellow taste, the medium roasted flavours are still there reminding me of a root vegetable with a touch of nuttiness and bitterness. Throughout each additional infusion, this tie kwan yin oolong was getting creamier and the fruity notes that were given off from the aroma were beginning to shine. If I had to try to pin point an exact fruit that is the most prevalent in the taste, I would be most inclined to assume a peach or apricot. This is one tea I will have to restock in my tea stash!

*Interested in this tea? You can find it online here.