China’s famous cliff tea, grown in the legendary Wu Yi mountains in the Fujian Province. Long, hand-rolled leaves are pan-fired at their aromatic peak, then charcoal-fired in small batches to produce the dark green color and rich, complex flavor. One of China’s “Ten Most Famous Teas.”

The Tea Table’s Wu Yi Yan Cha is a well-bodied oolong tea with a buttery, vegetal finish.  It’s murky gold-green brew tells the eyes what the tongue will quickly discover – this is a very complex tea.

This selection will produce well-balanced pots for two or three steepings.

Tea: Wu Yi Yan Cha
Price: $11.50/ounce
Vendor: The Tea Table
Direct Link to Tea: http://www.theteatable.com/product/WYYC.html

Superior Ti Kuan Yin (”Iron Goddess”) is a hand-made oolong with a complex flavor/aroma from China’s Fujian Province. A bit darker than the Jade Oolong with a more intense flavor and characteristic orchid-like aroma.

The Tea Table’s Superior Ti Kuan Yin tea is a lightly sweet and flowery oolong.  The subtle orchid undertones can be compounded with a few drops of honey mixed into a cup of tea.

This selection will produce a second pot that tends to have a higher complexity than the first.

Tea: Superior Ti Kuan Yin
Price: $4.00/ounce
Vendor: The Tea Table
Direct Link to Tea: http://www.theteatable.com/product/STKY.html

Tung Ting Jade Superior is grown in Taiwan’s Tung Ting mountains at 6000 feet.  This hand-made Oolong is only oxidized about 22%, giving it a lovely pale green liquor. It has a delicate orchid-like flavor, very smooth and naturally sweet with an almost buttery mouth-feel.

The Tea Table’s Tung Ting Jade Superior is a delicate oolong tea with a lingering orchid bouquet.  The flowery nose and tongue invite you to close your eyes and take in every sensation from this sweet liquor.

This selection will produce well-balanced pots from its first three steepings.

Tea: Tung Ting Jade Superior
Price: $5.00/ounce
Vendor: The Tea Table
Direct Link to Tea: http://www.theteatable.com/product/TTJOS.html

Gyokuro (“pearl dew”) ranks among the finest Japanese teas.  The plants are shaded while grown to give the tea a bright green color and the tea is made from only the tender leaf tips. Gyokuro, like most green tea, walks the thin line between nutty and grassy, often referred to as vegetal.

The Tea Table’s Gyokuro tea is no exception except to say that it is extraordinary.  It is milder than most teas of its kind, but that does not take away from the complexity of its flavor profile.  Served plain you’ll quickly notice that this tea is mildly vegetal with a hint of soy beans.  It is dry and slightly sweet with no aftertaste.

This selection will produce a delicate pot from its first two steepings.  A third steep will produce an extremely mild brew, but good enough to satisfy the need for just one last cup.

Tea: Gyokuro
Price: $9.50/ounce
Vendor: The Tea Table
Direct Link to Tea: http://www.theteatable.com/product/GYO.html