A Bud N One Leaf

Taiwan is famous for its oolong tea. Oolong technique was originated in Fujian province across the strait, and brought to Taiwan by immigrants hundreds of years ago. Through centuries of development and experimentation, Taiwan forms its unique speciality oolong tea.

Oolong tea has a wild range of oxidation level, for 15% - 70%. the lightly fermented Oolongs are more close to green tea, with floral aroma, and bright yellowish liquor color; the heavily fermented types are strong and full-bodied, with liquor color close to black tea.

Oolong Brewing Set (the Taiwan style)

In Taiwan's teahouses and families, the cute Oolong tea set is a popular functional and decorative phenomenon.  Taiwan's oolong brewing set was also originated from Fujian, with modification to make the brewing process more sophisticated: Taiwan style Oolong set contains a unique aroma cup, which is a narrow long cup designed for better appreciation of aroma.

When serving, tea liquor is first poured into the aroma cup, then cover the tasting cup on top of the aroma cup, turn them together upside down on a holder as shown in the picture below, and offer to your guests. The pair of aroma and tasting cups

When drinking, first lift the aroma cup carefully to let tea liquor flow to the tasting cup below, hold the aroma cup close to your nose to enjoy the fragrance, then put it back onto the holder, and pick up the tasting cup to sample the tea.

Personally, I prefer the more straight-forward process by skipping the aroma cup, just pour tea evenly into tasting cups, later smell the tasting cup after empty the tea inside.  Ganbei(cheers)!