The last session on June 8, 2013 was the advanced cupping on Bliss Oolong.
What is Bliss Oolong?
We have Pouchong, Jade Oolong, Amber Oolong, Oriental Beauty (Formosa Oolong) and Brandy Oolong in Taiwan's Specialty Oolong Selection. Each category is clearly classified by the tea's processing. Yet, not all tea in each category will be perceived as it is when sold. Tea factories go through additional process, or input "Value-Added" on these teas, such as blending two or more different teas, adding herbal ingredients, or flavoring with various essences. The ultimate goal is to create a "New tea" that is harmonized in appearance, aroma, flavor, and to make sure this new tea will be presentable on the market. "Bliss Oolong" is the special category in Taiwan Specialty Oolong just for this type of value-added Oolongs.
Originally, we have prepared about 8 Bliss Oolongs - Jasmine Oolong, Earl Grey Oolong, Osmanthus Oolong, Pomegranate Oolong, Ginger Orange Oolong to name a few, for our friends to cup. However Master Huang then decided that our Baked Oolong should be tasted in this session as well. In that case, we were provided two Bliss Oolong, American Ginseng Oolong and Sweet Olive Oolong for cupping. In the same tray, Master Huang prepared two Baked Oolong so participants were able to taste a before and after baking.
American Ginseng Root and Taiwan Jade Oolong can harmonize really well, it gives off the natural sweet taste in the mouth and very soothing. This tea is one of the best sellers, not in US or Canada, but actually in Asia. (In this session, we had two tea friends who are from Wisconsin, the home of American Ginseng.) Osmanthus is a very popular flower, especially in tea fields. which is almost right next to the tea gardens or tea factories. Osmanthus is also known as Sweet Olive Flower - which makes it perfect to be add in Pouchong and Jade Oolong (*Oolong that with lighter oxidation).
Bliss Oolong opens the door for endless possibilities. We are inviting tea enthusiasts to come up with better ideas to create great tea that has yet to be discovered.
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