Formosa Oolong Choice

Formosa, now called Taiwan, is the world’s greatest producer of Oolong (or Wu-long) teas.

These semi-fermented teas are half-way between black and green tea.  The leaves are bruised and exposed to the air to oxidise for a short while, then baked to arrest the process.  This produces a delicate tea, but one that is full of flavour.

Formosa Oolongs have a particular appearance, aroma and flavour that can be described as chestnut and peach with hints of caramel/liquorice.   The lightly oxidised teas are at the peach end of the spectrum, and the more oxidised, such as this Choice oolong, have more chestnut.

The leaves are a full brown in colour with a rich, sweet scent and when brewed produce a deep golden liquor with reddish tints.  The aroma is full and treacly with a strong chestnut perfume.   The flavour of the tea is fresh, with peachy, chestnut flavours and a mellow, developed, caramel sweetness.

To brew, put one tsp per person into a warmed pot or Mug Infuser and pour on boiled water that has been allowed to cool for 15 secs.  Brew for 3-4 mins and strain into cups.  Best enjoyed without milk or sugar.

If you love Formosa Oolong Choice, you may also want to try Formosa Pouchong.