At first glance, this Dancong Aria oolong tea reminded me of "Wuyi Ensemble" tea in a way with its long length-wise rolled dark leaves. However, both the Aroma and taste of this Chinese oolong variety remains very different.
When I first opened the tin, a dry fruity and peachy aroma greeted my senses, and once brewed pretty much was the same for the flavor. Crisp peachy, sweet, and very mild woody/bitter notes are what to expect from this variety along with a peach-like glow for a liquor color.
Several folks state what I have experienced when they report Dancong Aria being a peachy tea, and I do agree with one reviewer who stated that a lower temperature does take most of the bitterness out of the aftertaste! The tin instructs to steep the tea in 212 degree water for 5 minutes, but after following the advice of the reviewer I can confirm that 180 degrees is better and lets more "sweetness" out.
I also like to brew most of my oolong tea for only 4 minutes, but 5 in this case will not make a big difference.
Dancong Aria oolong tea is grown and harvested from the Phoenix Mountain located in China. Adagio Teas reports that these special tea plants are allowed to grow into large un-pruned trees and bushes which yields a unique single bush harvest.
Perhaps this method of cultivation is what is responsible for the peachy sweet notes rather than the more noticeable woody and nutty flavors more commonly associated with dark Chinese oolong tea leaves/varieties.
For folks who like flavored tea, but wish to have an oolong with hints of its own natural unique fruity flavor, this variety is a good one to discover.
