Oolong Tea

If there's one family of teas that demonstrates just how astonishing the art of tea making can be, it must surely be oolong.

Occupying the fascinating territory between green and black tea, oolongs are partially oxidised, with the skill of the tea maker determining just how far that transformation progresses. The results can be almost unbelievably diverse.

Some possess the heady fragrance of orchids and lilac, with creamy textures and a lingering sweetness. Others reveal ripe stone fruits, honey, toasted nuts, warm spices or the remarkable mineral character associated with certain celebrated Chinese growing regions.

From the beautiful mountain gardens of Taiwan to the historic tea-producing regions of China, oolong tea represents centuries of craftsmanship and an extraordinary understanding of the leaf.

It's a category that has always fascinated us at Imperial Teas, not least because a fine oolong can continue to reveal new flavours through successive infusions. What begins as a delicate floral cup might develop into something richer, sweeter and altogether unexpected.

Few teas reward curiosity quite like oolong. Every infusion can be another little discovery.