I figured this would be one of Lupicia’s candy oolongs – see, I’ve found there are two main categories. The candy oolongs are all rolled oolongs, and all over the top in terms of bursting-with-flavour fruitiness – like the Melon Oolong, or this one. They all have added pieces of something reminding me of those brightly coloured Japanese sugar candies and they look, smell, and taste very fun and happy.
Then there are the full-leaf oolongs, which are far more earthy and ripe both as regards scent and flavour. Examples would be the Momo Oolong Super Grade, and the Ripe Mango Oolong.
In the bag, this is all candy – it’s a sweet-fruity tangerine candy explosion. but – and here is the surprising aspect of this tea – in the cup, it is far more delicate that expected, and more along the lines of the full-leaf oolongs. Subtle, delicate, complex, natural. It’s supposed to be tangerine, but I find it most resembles satsuma-meets-blood orange.
It’s lovely and infinitely drinkable, but will probably surprise fans of other Lupicia candy oolongs with its subtlety. Objectively, this might deserve a somewhat lower grade, but I’m increasingly fond of citrus-flavoured teas, and if I find a good one – like the Amanatsu – it’s going to be a keeper.
[From my Lupicia order to Rome, April 2014.]
Boiling, 1 min 30.