When the first infusion emerges from my gaiwan, the soft floral nose of Mountain Tea’s Oriental Beauty whispers of upcoming notes of honey, plum, rose hips, and spice. Gently unfolded thanks to my intention and care, each aromatic steep weaves itself into the next. The tea’s lineage, shaped by the meticulous bite of tea leafhoppers and crafted with precision by Mountain Tea, is breathtaking in its rarity and elegance.
I have been buying from Mountain Tea, based in California but rooted in the traditions of high mountain oolong craftsmanship, for over ten years now. They have been dedicated to procuring high quality teas since 1987. Their devotion to time‑honored artisan methods shines through in every cup. This Oriental Beauty is hand‑picked just at the right moment—when the leafhopper’s touch triggers the tea plant’s own natural sweetness. That honeyed complexity, subtle yet profound, defines the cup.
With each steep, flavors evolve: the first was delicate—soft florals and airy honey; as I moved through slowly towards the seventh, deeper plum and spiced honey notes emerge, yielding a medium-bodied finish that lingered with a huigan (a Chinese word for 'returning sweetness').
Final Pouring Thoughts
Mountain Tea’s Oriental Beauty is nothing short of luminous. Its gentle floral perfume, honey-sweet body, and plum undertones create a tea experience that feels handcrafted by nature and human dedication alike. My ritual—with the gaiwan, four grams, and seven steeps—allowed me to journey through its depths fully.
If you’re seeking a tea that balances refined delicacy with layered complexity, and a company whose passion and tradition pour as generously as the brew itself, this Oriental Beauty demands your attention—and perhaps, your awe.