Sakuma Oolong

Teas are generally associated with countries in Asia and Africa.   For those teas that are grown outside of these established regions, they should be considered 'exotic'.   The local food movement and the popularity of tea drinking in recent years likely fueled interest in cultivating tea plants in USA and other places.

This 'exotic' oolong from Sakuma Brothers Farms is grown and processed in the Skagit Valley in the northwestern part of USA, where apples, berries, vegetables and wine grapes are abundant.   Sakuma started growing tea plants in 1997.   Its tea varieties that survived over the years probably have adapted to the non-tropical terroir.

Sakuma oolong is a medium-bodied tea with spicy notes.  It almost 'feels' like Taiwan Gold White tea.  This tea may be evident of some Taiwan influence as Sakuma grower acquired equipment from as well as toured tea gardens in Taiwan several years ago.

Sakuma Oolong

Type:  Oolong     Producing Country: USA     Preparation:  90°C 4 Min

Dry Leaf:  They are mixed brown and black leaves, medium sized and twisted.   They are richly aromatic: cinnamon, prunes and clove.
Wet Leaf:  The wet leaves are beautiful olive green with red edges.  Their notes are savory similar to Chinese culinary spices.
Liquor:      The golden amber tea is spicy (cinnamon), woodsy and perhaps citrusy.  It is medium-bodied and lengthy in the mouth.  However, it is mildly astringent.

Tee Score: 3 out of 5