Ancient Pu Erh looseGolden Leaf Tea  is an online tea retailer that specializes in Oolong, black, and pu erh teas from Taiwan (hence the name, I assume). They’re single-origin and minimally processed. They don’t have as much of a variety of options as some other retailers, but they’re very proud of the high-quality teas they do have. I just happen to have a love affair with the darker teas, so I was thrilled to have a chance to give these a sip. They sent me quite a variety to sample, so let me give you a quick tour of some of my favorites:

Honey Red Jade Tea

Honey Red JadeThis is a fermented tea I have never had before. It’s lightly sweet–it definitely has a subtle honey flavor. This is supposedly due to an insect that feeds on the leaves. All I can say is, “Thank you, bugs!” The sweetness is most welcome and is especially delicious iced. I am very much a fan of teas that can naturally bring its own sweetness to the party, and I hope to have this one again, and soon.

Pouchong Oolong

This is a very common variety of oolong, and it’s one I am quite familiar with. This oolong lightly-oxidized pouchong is also a tad sweet. This tea is one that I would recommend to anyone who loves green teas, as pouchongs are probably some of the lightest, greenest oolongs you can get. If I hadn’t known what I was drinking, I could have sworn it was a dark Dragonwell. Very nice.

100-Year Pu Erh

100 year Pu ErhGolden Leaf has three kinds of pu erh, all from teas of different ages. Anywhere from 100-300 years old. I was able to try the 100-year tree’s leaves, and boy is it smooth! Each teaspoon’s worth is good for about seven steeps or so, and they’re good for a long afternoon tea session. Their pu erhs are available in limited quantities, so if you want to give these a try (and I highly recommend you do) please check them out.

Golden Tea Leaf has some wonderful teas (some of them award-winning), and it’s definitely worth your while to try some!