Anxi Oolong Tea - Autumn 2024

This tea is a hidden gem—smooth, rich, and deeply satisfying. I wasn’t sure what to expect at first, but after the first sip, I knew it was something special.

Aroma & Appearance

The dry leaves are long and twisted, with a deep, dark color and a subtle sheen. When I opened the bag, I was greeted by a warm, honeyed aroma with hints of dried fruit, malt, and a touch of cocoa. The scent alone was enough to make me excited to brew it.

Flavor Profile

This tea is beautifully balanced between sweetness and depth. The first sip brings a rich, malty smoothness with notes of dark honey, dried apricot, and caramelized sugar. There’s a natural sweetness that lingers throughout, but it’s not overwhelming—just the right amount to complement the deeper, slightly earthy undertones. Hints of cocoa and spice emerge as it cools, adding complexity without any bitterness.

Mouthfeel & Aftertaste

The body is silky and smooth, with a velvety texture that coats the mouth. It has a lingering sweet, slightly fruity finish, making each sip feel luxurious. Despite its richness, it remains refreshing and easy to drink, making it perfect for both slow savoring and daily enjoyment.

Final Thoughts

This tea is a perfect example of why Yunnan black teas are so incredible. It’s sweet, malty, complex, and smooth, with a depth that keeps you coming back for more. If you love naturally sweet, full-bodied black teas with a hint of fruit and spice, this is an absolute must-try.

Would I buy it again? Absolutely. It’s a fantastic daily black tea with the elegance of a high-mountain origin.

This tea is phenomenal—easily one of the best jasmine teas I’ve ever had. It’s actually what brought me to Yunnan Sourcing in the first place, and I’ve been hooked ever since.

Aroma & Appearance

The moment you open the bag, you’re hit with an intoxicatingly sweet and floral jasmine fragrance. It’s fresh, natural, and delicate—nothing artificial or overwhelming. The pearls themselves are beautifully hand-rolled, with tightly wound leaves that unfurl elegantly as they steep.

Flavor Profile

This tea is pure jasmine bliss. The sweetness is prominent yet balanced, complementing the smooth, high-quality green tea base. It’s floral-forward without being cloying, and the jasmine infusion is incredibly fresh—like drinking a spring breeze. There’s a gentle honeyed sweetness that lingers on the tongue, making each sip feel both soothing and indulgent. The green tea itself is silky, soft, and mellow, with no bitterness—just a clean, refreshing body that enhances the jasmine’s natural perfume.

Mouthfeel & Aftertaste

The texture is buttery smooth with a soft, almost velvety feel. The aftertaste is long-lasting and sweet, leaving behind a lingering floral note that makes you want to take another sip immediately. Even after multiple infusions, the jasmine remains vibrant and aromatic, with the tea never turning astringent.

Final Thoughts

This tea is an absolute must-have for jasmine lovers. The balance of sweet, floral, and smooth makes it a perfect daily indulgence, yet refined enough for special moments. If you love naturally sweet, floral-forward teas with a silky smooth body, this is the ultimate choice.

Would I buy it again? Without hesitation. It’s the tea that made me fall in love with Yunnan Sourcing, and it continues to be my favorite jasmine tea. Also, their service is very fast shipping! I received my product before they predicted!!

I recently tried the Anxi “Hairy Crab” Mao Xie Fujian oolong from Yunnan Sourcing, and I was pleasantly surprised by how enjoyable it is. While I’m still refining how to describe its flavors, I can confidently say it’s a well-balanced and satisfying tea.

Appearance & Aroma

The dry leaves are beautifully rolled, with a deep green hue that hints at its fresh, lightly oxidized character. The aroma is inviting—there’s a subtle floral fragrance with a touch of creamy sweetness, almost like fresh orchids or lilacs mixed with a faint nuttiness. I’m not sure why it’s called “hairy” but it infuses well and I hardly get any excess particles in the tea from my infuser.

Flavor Profile

Upon brewing, the tea has a smooth and refreshing taste, with a gentle floral and milky sweetness. It’s not as intensely buttery as Tie Guan Yin but carries a lighter, almost spring-like freshness with a hint of crisp minerality. The vegetal notes are present but not overpowering—more akin to sweet greens or lightly steamed bok choy rather than anything too grassy. There’s also a mild fruitiness in the background, possibly reminiscent of pear or stone fruit, adding a nice complexity.

Mouthfeel & Aftertaste

The texture is soft and silky, coating the mouth with a light, lingering sweetness. It’s refreshing yet soothing, making it an easy-drinking tea that I could see myself enjoying throughout the day. The aftertaste is clean with a slight floral-citrus note that lingers pleasantly.

Final Thoughts

Overall, this is a very enjoyable oolong—light, refreshing, and easy to drink. It has a pleasant floral sweetness, mild creaminess, and a touch of fruity brightness that makes it feel both delicate and comforting. If you enjoy lighter Anxi oolongs with fresh, slightly creamy, and floral notes, this is a great choice.

Would I buy it again? Absolutely. It’s a great everyday tea with a beautifully balanced profile that isn’t too overpowering yet still complex enough to appreciate through multiple infusions.

I don't have much tea knowledge, but I have plenty of experience trying various kinds and this one still managed to stand out as one of the best, if not the best. If it weren't out of stock I'd be ordering a bunch more.

One of my favorites that I’ll keep coming back to. Manages to be both sweet and complex.