T Ching's Kashanganj Snow Bud and Meghma Nepalese Oolong

Earlier this week I recieved my samples from T Ching for their online community tea tasting. They sent 25 g each, well worth the $3 paid for shipping. This is my first time to be involved, and I was looking forward to it. Thanks Mary for the heads up.

Tea: Kashanganj Snow Bud

Origin: Kashanganj, India

Year: 2007 (?)

Vendor: T Ching

Price: $14.50/50 g

The dry leaves are very attractive, clearly hand picked. I have a special affection for white tea, so I played around with this one quite a bit. I started with 3 g/8 0z/185 F/5 min., then I upped it to 4 g, then 3 g for 6 min. The first brew was a little weak, but it had a very nice finish, just a touch of astringency that left a tingly sensation. The second brew was bolder, perhaps just a tad strong. Very similar to bai mu dan. The third was more mellow but still made a statement. The last cup I brewed to T Chings brewing instructions, 6 g/8 oz/175 F/3 min. This yielded the best results. The over all flavor was the same, but it was the smoothest.

I have tried an Indian white before and was not impressed. I think Fujian whites are superior by far, but this tea left me with a good impression. I still prefer Fujian bai hao yin zhen, but this is a close second. I give it a 4.

Tea: Meghma Nepalese Oolong

Origin: Nepal, Meghma Estate

Year: 2007 (?)

Vendor: T Ching

Price: $7/50 g

Certified Organic

I'm a sucker for knowing exactly where my tea comes from--please, show me pictures of the people who picked my tea, so my interest in this tea grew when I found an interview with the owner of the family-run Meghma Estate, Madan Tamang. This guy makes a good oolong, completely hand-rolled and follows a production process similar to what you would find in Taiwan.

My first attempts at gong fu-ing this...well, the results sucked. So I followed the tasting instructions more or less, 5 g/150 ml/195-200 F/5 s. for the first infusion/ and it was much, much better.

The dry leaves are aesthetically pleasant, and so is the liquor, which progresses from a buttery yellow to a rich, honey orange. The taste is very smooth with a natural amber sweetness that reminds me very much of the Golden Needle from Yunnan, yet the familiar fruitiness of a Darjeeling is still present. It's a wonderful combination.

I like this tea, and I didn't think I would to be honest. It's got a great price, tastes good, and its enviromentally and socially friendly; I'll probably buy this tea again. I give it a 4.5.