Culinary Specialties CooksShopHere- Oolong Tea: Tou Tian Xiang, Imperial Gold

Black

Oolong

Tou Tian Xiang
Imperial Gold
Late Spring 2009
Organic

Fujian Province, China
30-40% Oxidation
Ball-rolled leaf style with few stems
Smooth, sweet, stone-fruit flavor
Very fresh, floral aroma
Clear golden liquor

1/4 lb	1/2 lb	lb
15.00 Buy	30.00 Buy	60.00 Buy

Tou Tian Xiang (Imperial Gold) Oolong tea is one of the glories of the China Oolong family. I don’t think that I have ever had anyone revisit the store and declare that they have been anything but enthralled with this excellent tea. One of what is known today as the ‘Green Oolongs’, or similarly, ‘Orchid Oolongs’, Imperial Gold is as valuable in taste as its name indicates.

Tou Tian Xiang Oolong brews perfectly every time; no matter how one challenges it, Imperial Gold Oolong infuses gracefully, with not a trace of harshness or astringency.

Tou Tian Xiang does prefer water that is ‘off the boil’, in which case you will find that it steeps repeatedly, offering up more flavor than any leaf tea has a right to contain. I find that Imperial Gold continues to be a tea that I reach for as I would an old friend.

Western-style steeping: (Medium to large sized teapot: 20-32 oz)
Use 2 generous teaspoons (2-3 grams) of tea per each 6oz water
Steep 1-3 infusions at 2-3 minutes each.
Water temperature should be 180˚ - 190˚ F

Asian-style steeping: (small teapots under 10 oz or a gaiwan)
Use 2 generous Tablespoons (5-6 grams) of tea per each 6oz water
Steep upwards of 6-8 infusions (or more!) at 10 seconds to 1 minute each
Water temperature should be 180˚ - 190˚ F