Tea evolves. Nowadays, tea producers get inspiration from the world, embrace new ideas and new techniques. As a result, we see new trends and new products. Historically known for its remarkable blacks, India increasingly introduces new types of tea, lighter and greener on the oxidation scale. Indian oolong, mostly produced in the Darjeeling region, represents a new generation of Indian teas.
What kind of tea is it?
Best Darjeeling oolongs, although a departure from full-fermented traditional Indian teas, tend to maintain the muscatel flavor of their ancestors. They produce a light amber clear infusion with pronounced astringency and a sweet finish.
Tasting notes and reviews 
Indian oolong teas offer a range of aromas and flavors depending on the microclimate in which they were grown and the techniques with which they were processed. Generally speaking, tea drinkers find Darjeeling oolongs to be “gentle and refined.” Springtime Indian oolongs make for a “light, clean and well-balanced” cup, though they “bitter quickly if left too long.” They have “lovely floral aromas,” reminiscent of the “classic Darjeeling first flush,” complemented by hints of “fresh greens.” Autumn Darjeeling oolongs tend to be bolder in comparison to their spring counterparts, offering “similar flavors to a black tea, but with many more notes.” These “smooth and full-bodied” teas have “gorgeous colors” and “warm, sweet raisin notes” that make them “perfect with a warm dessert.”
5 best Indian Oolong teas to buy online
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Red Thunder Autumn Oolong Tea A fragrant Teabox exclusive, brisk and medium-bodied, vibrant with notes of candied orange, prunes and berries. A delicious oolong that's aromatic and welcoming. Candied oranges pleasantly hit the palate with the first sip as the sweetness of prunes show up intermittently. These flavors stay through the cup with soft hints of fruit tart lighting up the edges and giving the cup a unique profile. The autumnal woody tones smoothen the liquor toward the end and make way for crisper notes of sweet-tart berries. This stays on for an excellent finish. |
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Blue Mountain Nilgiri Oolong Tea A bountiful Oolong tea from Nilgiri with a mix of nutty, tropical, and floral notes. Courtesy of the renowned Glendale Tea estate from the tranquil region of Nilgiri, our Blue Mountain Nilgiri Oolong Tea is blessed with an array of nutty and tropical fruit flavours with uplifting floral tones of orchids and cherry blossom. A sweet and mellow liquor with a hint of astringency and a lingering aftertaste. Truly a luscious cup that is best enjoyed with a dash of sugar or honey! |
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Oolong Tea Leaves Sampler High Mountain Darjeeling Oolong Tea Our blender's choice, this Oolong tea is robust, full-bodied, and tipped with fruity flavors. 0.35oz/10gm Maharani Chai Spiced Oolong Tea A prized blend of premium high-fired, tightly-rolled Oolong tea with a myriad of sweet woody spices. 0.35oz/10gm Maharaja Earl Grey Oolong Tea An exotic summer Oolong tea with uplifting notes of Bergamot extracts and a sweet floral aroma. 0.35oz/10gm White Mountain Darjeeling Oolong Tea A Vah True to its ethos of being steeped in flavor and health, our sampler collection of the 5 best-selling Oolong Teas is just the perfect offering! These limited-edition Oolong teas are sourced from renowned tea gardens and our in-house blenders curate magical blends with various spices and herbs, full of vitality and taste. Choose from Darjeeling, Nilgiri Oolongs, our special Chai Spiced, or Earl Grey blend which will win your heart at the first sip. |
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Blue Blossom Oolong Tea This high-grown Nilgiri oolong is aromatic, smooth and offers a sweet floral experience. This aptly named oolong comes from the Blue Hills of South India. It exudes the floral character gained from the terroir in its aroma and taste. The fragrance is lifted and the liquor quite smooth giving the cup an endearing character. With a full-body the initial sips are subtly sweet as those buoyant notes of white flowers like lilies and orchids grow. Fruity hints, although subdued, play around the edges lending more depth to the cup. As the floral notes fade in the end, slight nuttiness shows and makes up a distinct, mellowed aftertaste. |
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High Mountain Darjeeling Second Flush Oolong Tea Our blender's choice, this Oolong tea is robust, full-bodied, and tipped with fruity flavors. An extraordinary Oolong blend, this is our master blender's favourite! Our High Mountain Oolong Tea is a one-of-a-kind Oolong tea with robust and bold flavours. Artfully curated by bringing together premium second flush Oolong teas from the finest high-elevation estates in Darjeeling. The liquor is smooth, full-bodied, and blessed with fruity flavours. The flavours become intense with each sip and you can experience the delicious grapefruit flavour in the finish! This is a perfect morning cup of tea best complemented with a hearty breakfast! |
More tea, please!
Isabelle is a freelance writer, self-taught tea nerd, and tea blending enthusiast. She is a herbalist with a strong interest in Ayurveda. Each year Isabelle travels extensively, returning with tea samples from around the world. She is a big fan of handmade teaware and Japanese green teas.