We missed out on the limited edition Moonlight Osmanthus during our trip to Japan in 2019, so were excited for this Lupicia Taiwan Osmanthus Oolong from their Melbourne store.

The tea is a lightly oxidised looseleaf oolong produced in Mingian, Nantou, Taiwan, and blended with orange osmanthus flowers.

Steeping 3 g of looseleaf in 200 mL of water at 85°C for 3 minutes, the tea was a transparent pale yellow colour with a gentle floral aroma. Served hot, the delicate vegetal notes of the oolong emerge at the head of each sip ahead of the floral notes of the osmanthus emerging in the body, buoyed into the finish by the smooth, creamy mouthfeel of the oolong. Subsequent steeps (up to three) of the looseleaf see the floral notes receding and the more vegetal, yet still sweet, notes of the oolong come to the fore. This is a very enjoyable and comforting tea.

This Lupicia Taiwan Osmanthus Oolong contained 50 g. It was sourced from Taiwan, packaged in Japan, and purchased in Melbourne, Australia in 2021.