The Tao of Tea Black Dragon Oolong

This is a heavily roasted oolong with a bold, coffee-like character rather than the floral or green notes you might expect from lighter oolongs. Reviewers consistently describe it as tasting like 'dark roast coffee' with earthy, roasted flavors. It brews to a dark red color and has a strong, distinctive taste that's quite different from traditional lighter oolongs.

Absolutely—this is one of the best features of these whole, rolled leaves. Multiple reviewers mention steeping them 3-4 times or more, which makes the tea surprisingly economical despite the initial price. The flavor evolves with each steep, getting lighter and more nuanced. This follows the traditional gongfu tea method where you do multiple short infusions rather than one long steep.

There have been some inconsistencies. While the product is advertised as coming in a tin, some customers received it in a paper tube instead. Others reported dented or damaged tins upon arrival. The Tao of Tea seems to be working through packaging transitions, so your experience may vary. If you receive a paper tube and prefer the tin for freshness, it might be worth contacting the seller.

Yes, it's a good idea—and it's actually traditional practice with oolong. Some reviewers noted the leaves can be dusty, so doing a quick rinse (pouring hot water over the leaves and immediately discarding it) before your first proper steep helps remove any dust and also begins to open up the tightly rolled leaves. This initial rinse doesn't count as one of your steeps.

This leans toward tea enthusiasts rather than beginners. If you're used to lighter, floral oolongs and expecting that classic oolong taste, this might surprise you with its intense roasted character. It's ideal if you enjoy bold, coffee-like teas or want to explore the darker end of the oolong spectrum. The multiple-steep brewing method also requires a bit more involvement than just dunking a teabag, so it rewards those willing to experiment with brewing techniques.

Some customers have reported receiving tins with expiration dates less than 10 months out, which suggests the tea may have been sitting in inventory for a while. Tea is best enjoyed fresh, so if you're particular about getting the newest batch possible, you might want to check the date when it arrives. That said, properly stored oolong (especially darker roasted ones like this) can age well, and many reviewers still found the flavor excellent despite shorter shelf life remaining.