Milk Oolong tea is a lightly oxidized and roasted Oolong tea from Taiwan. It gets its name from its creamy, milky taste and aroma, which is a result of the unique processing method. The leaves are bruised and oxidized for a short time, then roasted in charcoal, which gives the tea its distinctive character.
Milk Oolong is a delightful and smooth tea that is medium-bodied and easy to brew. It has floral, buttery, and milky notes with a hint of roasted nuttiness. The flavor can range from creamy and velvety to woodsy, depending on the specific type and brand. When brewed properly, the liquor ranges from a pale green to light yellow hue.
There are many factors to consider when choosing the best Milk Oolong tea. The origin, cultivation practices, processing method, freshness, and price point all impact the quality and flavor. This buying guide covers everything you need to know to find the ideal Milk Oolong to suit your taste preferences and budget.
Harney & Sons Milky Oolong Tea
You will love the delicate and velvety flavor of this premium blend of Chinese oolong tea from Harney & Sons. It is infused with a subtle milk flavor that envelops your palate with each sip. The aroma is warm and pleasant with notes of hot milk. When you open the tin, you are greeted by the lovely fragrance.
The tea features hand-picked oolong leaves grown in China and then infused with a touch of milk flavoring. The result is a smooth, creamy taste that is quite enjoyable. This tea would make a nice introduction to high quality oolongs if you have never tried them before. It produces a pale yellow infusion in the cup.
Drink it straight up or add a splash of milk or creamer. You can even brew it stronger and use it as a base for bubble tea. Either way, it makes a soothing and comforting hot beverage for any time of day.
Key features:
- Oolong tea leaves grown in China
- Subtle milk flavor added
- Smooth, creamy taste
- Lovely aroma
Pros:
- Delicate and velvety flavor
- Pleasant fragrance
- Easy to brew
- Good for milk tea drinks
Cons:
- Milk flavor may be too subtle for some
- Only makes 1-2 cups per tin
- Bit pricey
Hyleys Milk Oolong Tea
Indulge in the velvety smooth flavor of Hyleys Milk Oolong tea. You'll notice lovely floral and fruity notes in this high quality Chinese oolong. It is a semi-fermented tea known for its rich taste and fragrant aroma. The milk flavor added gives it a nice creamy mouthfeel and lingering sweetness.
When you open the tin, you are greeted by an inviting fruity aroma reminiscent of figs or blueberries. Steep it up and you'll find it has a light body and subtle sweetness on the finish. The tea leaves open up beautifully in the cup. While mild, the flavor is quite pleasant and easy to drink.
This oolong is perfect for someone looking to try a flavored milk oolong for the first time. The floral notes complement the milkiness nicely. You can even get a second and third steeping from the same leaves. It makes a comforting hot beverage to relax and unwind with in the evenings after dinner.
Key features:
- Chinese oolong tea
- Milk flavor added
- Semi-fermented
- Fruity, floral aroma
Pros:
- Smooth, velvety mouthfeel
- Inviting fruity fragrance
- Subtle sweetness
- Leaves can be steeped multiple times
Cons:
- Milk flavor is mild
- Fruit scent is strong for some
- Only makes 1-2 cups per tin
CUSHLA Taiwanese High Mountain Milk Oolong Tea
Treat yourself to the naturally sweet flavor of CUSHLA's milk oolong tea. Grown high in the mountains of Taiwan, it is renowned for its rich milkiness and smooth mouthfeel. The leaves are hand picked and then undergo a special fermenting process to achieve the signature creaminess.
You'll notice lovely toasted aromas as you steep this oolong. It has refreshing floral notes combined with a silky texture and lingering sweetness on the palate. The tea liquid has a beautiful amber hue. You can really taste the high quality of the leaves.
Since it is unflavored, the milkiness comes directly from the processing methods. This gives it an authentic flavor not found in many commercial milk oolongs. Sip it straight or add milk, sugar or cream for a nice latte-style beverage. However you prepare it, this Taiwanese oolong makes a delightful cup.
Key features:
- Grown in the high mountains of Taiwan
- Naturally creamy, no flavorings added
- Smooth, sweet flavor
- Refreshing floral finish
Pros:
- Authentic milk taste
- High quality tea leaves
- Nice complexity of flavors
- Naturally sweet
Cons:
- Needs multiple steepings to build flavor
- Creaminess is subtle for some
- Small 3.5oz package
Greenfield Milky Oolong Tea
Treat yourself to the sweet, floral notes of Greenfield's milk oolong tea. It is crafted from premium oolong leaves and infused with milky cream flavors. You'll enjoy rich aromas of flowers and fruit. It has a pleasant mild taste with a lingering creamy finish.
The natural oolong flavors combine beautifully with the added milk notes, creating a light and airy flavor profile. It starts with the freshness of high mountain oolong then finishes with a delicious creamy sweetness. The tea liquid is a pale golden yellow color.
You can brew it up hot or iced. Add a touch of honey or agave nectar to complement the milky flavors if desired. It also makes a nice base for bubble teas and lattes. However you enjoy it, this sweet floral oolong is sure to satisfy your taste buds.
Key features:
- Oolong tea leaves
- Milk cream flavor added
- Sweet, floral taste
- Mild body
Pros:
- Creamy, sweet aftertaste
- Delicate floral aromas
- Light and refreshing flavor
- Good hot or iced
Cons:
- Milkiness could be stronger
- Added flavors overpower oolong
- Only 20 tea bags per box
Tealyra Milk Jin Xuan Oolong Tea
Tealyra's milk oolong tea offers a wonderfully rich and aromatic cup of tea. It is crafted from premium Jin Xuan oolong leaves grown high in the mountains of Taiwan. To give it a silky texture and sweet milkiness, the leaves are briefly steamed with milk powder during processing.
You'll notice lovely toasted aromas as you steep the leaves. The resulting tea liquid has a pale yellow color and a smooth, delicate flavor. It coats the mouth with a nice creaminess and subtle fruity sweetness. There is very little bitterness or astringency.
This would make a nice everyday tea to keep on hand. It is easy to brew and enjoyable to drink straight. You can also use it as a base for milk tea drinks and tea lattes. The high quality leaves and special processing create a cup that is quite satisfying.
Key features:
- Jin Xuan oolong leaves from Taiwan
- Milk powder added during processing
- Smooth, creamy texture
- Toasted aromas
Pros:
- Silky, rich mouthfeel
- Sweet fruity finish
- Beautiful pale color
- Very smooth and delicate
Cons:
- Milk flavor is subtle for some
- Not a "natural" milk oolong
- Higher price point
FullChea - Milk Oolong Tea
This FullChea milk oolong tea from Taiwan offers a truly delightful and soothing drinking experience. The moment you open the package, you are greeted by an enticing milky aroma. When you brew the tea, the rolled up leaves magically unfurl and release their smooth, creamy flavor into the water.
With its crystal clear golden color and lingering sweet aftertaste, each sip of this oolong makes you feel relaxed and content. The tea has a medium level of caffeine, so it gives you a nice energy boost without making you feel jittery. It can be brewed multiple times - up to 3 steeps - while still retaining its lovely flavor. This excellent value and quality make it a perfect everyday tea.
Key features:
- 100% natural Jin Xuan oolong tea from Taiwan
- Delicate milky aroma and flavor
- Multiple steepings from one serving
- Medium caffeine level
Pros:
- Smooth, creamy taste
- Sweet, lingering aftertaste
- Relaxing, soothing experience
- Good value
Cons:
- Stronger milky aroma when first opened
- Flavor fades after multiple steepings
Xin Qing Milk Oolong Tea Oolong Milk Tea
As a high quality Taiwan oolong tea, this Xin Qing milk oolong offers a uniquely satisfying flavor and aroma. It has a lovely milky fragrance with notes of floral sweetness when dry. Upon steeping, it produces a beautiful golden tea soup that is smooth and sweet without any bitterness.
Each sip coats your mouth with its signature creamy texture and fills your senses with its comforting toasted, buttery flavor. You can really taste the high mountain origin of this oolong, which lends it a certain freshness and complexity. It has a medium caffeine level, so you get an uplifting boost. A major plus is this tea can be brewed up to 3 times while retaining its flavor.
Key features:
- Jin Xuan varietal grown in Taiwan
- Natural milky aroma and flavor
- Multiple steepings from one serving
Pros:
- Unique flavor profile
- Smooth, creamy mouthfeel
- Floral, sweet aroma
- Good value for money
Cons:
- Milkiness fades after a few steepings
- Can taste over-steeped when left too long
TEARELAE - Taiwan Milk Oolong Tea
For a truly delightful milk oolong experience, this TEARELAE loose leaf tea is a great choice. Harvested in the Taiwan high mountains, the leaves produce an authentically sweet, floral aroma and golden liquor when brewed. Each sip fills your mouth with its signature creamy texture and leaves a soothing aftertaste.
You can really taste the quality of this oolong, from its hand-picked tea buds to its careful processing. It has floral hints combined with a lovely buttery flavor from roasting. The tea has a medium caffeine level, so you get an energizing lift without jitters. A major advantage is it can be brewed up to 3 times while retaining its great taste.
Key features:
- From Jin Xuan cultivar in Taiwan
- Naturally milky aroma and flavor
- Allows multiple steepings
Pros:
- Smooth, creamy mouthfeel
- Nice floral notes
- Sweet, lingering aftertaste
- Uplifting without over-caffeinating
Cons:
- Milkiness fades after several steepings
- Not as intense as highest quality milk oolong
Milk Oolong - Loose Whole Leaf Jin Xuan Milk Oolong Tea
If you love milk oolong tea, this Golden Tea Leaf milk oolong is a great value choice. Made from the Jin Xuan cultivar in Taiwan, it has an enticing milky aroma straight from the package. When brewed, it produces a beautiful light golden liquor with a smooth, sweet flavor devoid of any bitterness.
Each sip gives you a lovely creamy mouthfeel and fills your senses with its comforting toasted flavor. You can really taste the high mountain origin of the tea leaves in its fresh, floral notes. This oolong has a medium caffeine level, so you get an energizing lift without jitters. It's impressive that it can be brewed multiple times while retaining its great taste.
Key features:
- From Jin Xuan tea plants in Taiwan
- Natural milky fragrance and flavor
- Allows multiple steepings
Pros:
- Nice floral hints
- Smooth, creamy texture
- Sweet taste without bitterness
- Uplifting medium caffeine
Cons:
- Milkiness fades after several steepings
- Not as intense as premium milk oolong
Tiesta Tea - Milk Oolong Tea
For a quality loose leaf milk oolong, this Tiesta Tea is a delightful choice. Made using the Jin Xuan varietal, it has a lovely natural milky aroma with enticing floral notes. When brewed, it produces a beautiful golden liquor filled with its signature creamy essence and toasted flavor.
Each sip gives you a smooth, velvety mouthfeel and leaves behind a comforting sweetness. You can taste the care that went into producing this single origin oolong, from the hand-picking to the careful processing. With a medium caffeine level, this uplifting tea can be brewed multiple times while retaining its wonderful flavor.
Key features:
- Uses Jin Xuan cultivar from China
- Naturally milky aroma and flavor
- Allows multiple steepings
Pros:
- Nice floral hints
- Smooth, creamy texture
- Sweet aftertaste
- Energizing medium caffeine
Cons:
- Milkiness fades after several steepings
- Not as intense as premium milk oolongs
Milk Oolong Tea Buying Guide
Origins
Authentic Milk Oolong comes from Taiwan's mountainous Nantou County in the central highlands. This mineral-rich volcanic soil and cool, high-elevation climate is perfect for growing Oolong varieties with complex flavors. Other regions may produce teas marketed as Milk Oolong, but the distinctive taste comes specifically from Nantou County.
Within Nantou, there are particular sub-regions famous for Milk Oolong production, notably the Lugu and Minguang townships. Farms in these areas have the expertise and processing methods dialed in to create Milk Oolong's signature creamy, milky taste.
When comparing brands, the exact farm or township will usually be listed for true Taiwanese Milk Oolong. Terms like "Nantou," "Lugu," or "Minguang" signal authenticity. Generic or vague origin descriptions may indicate a lower quality or imitation tea.
Cultivation Methods
Milk Oolong bushes are grown at high elevations with minimal pesticides and chemicals. The bushes are often covered to protect the leaves from direct sunlight before harvest. Many farms grow organically or biodynamically. These traditional cultivation techniques ensure the leaves develop complex, delicate flavors.
Quality Milk Oolong will be made from leaves hand-picked during the short spring harvest season. The tender young leaves and unopened buds have the most nuanced aroma and taste. Larger, older leaves or machine harvesting gives the tea a rougher, more astringent profile.
When researching brands, look for details on leaf grade, harvest season, and cultivation methods. Terms like "hand-picked," "spring harvest," and "single estate" indicate careful production.
Processing and Roasting
After harvest, the magic of Milk Oolong's unique flavor occurs through careful processing and roasting. The leaves are first bruised and lightly oxidized, then roasted in bamboo charcoal ovens. The charcoal roasting imparts a warming, toasty flavor while intensifying the creamy milky taste.
The length of oxidation and roasting time significantly impacts the tea's final character. Lighter roasts preserve the floral, green notes. Medium roasts bring out the signature milkiness. And heavy, longer roasts create deeper, woodsy flavors.
When evaluating Milk Oolong, look for details on the roast style or level. Try different types to find your favorite flavor profile. The roast method also affects the tea's appearance - lighter roasts look greener, while heavier roasts appear more reddish-brown.
Freshness
Due to Milk Oolong's delicate flavor, freshness is key. Make sure to buy from sellers with good tea turnover to ensure you get the newest harvests.
Vacuum-sealed foil bags help preserve freshness better than paper packages. Refrigerate or freeze excess tea to extend shelf life. Pre-portioned sachets eliminate air exposure once opened.
Harvest dates are the best indicator of freshness - aim for the current or previous year's spring harvest. Check production or best by dates as well - Milk Oolong is best consumed within 12-18 months of processing.
Price
As a high-quality specialty tea, expect to pay a premium for Milk Oolong compared to regular Oolongs. But there is still quite a range when it comes to pricing.
Lower priced options ($15-$25 for 2oz) offer a very affordable everyday drinking tea. Quality is still good, but may come from less exclusive farms or have lighter processing.
Mid-range offerings ($25-$40 for 2oz) provide exceptional quality from reputable estates. This captures the classic Milk Oolong experience at a reasonable price point.
Ultra-premium selections ($40-$60+ for 2oz) source leaves from exclusive single-estate gardens with artisanal production methods. The depth of flavor is outstanding for special occasions or gifts.
Consider your budget and how often you plan to enjoy Milk Oolong when choosing a price point. Sample different ranges to determine if the taste merits splurging for pricier leaves.
Brand Reputation
With the popularity of Milk Oolong, many brands now offer their own versions. Try to buy from established specialty Taiwanese tea merchants with a reputation for sourcing high-quality teas. These vendors work directly with farms in Taiwan and can provide more detailed production information.
Boutique Taiwanese tea shops, either online or when visiting Taiwan, offer exceptional single-estate options. Large Asian supermarkets also carry decent mid-range Milk Oolongs. For maximum freshness and authenticity, buy straight from a tea farm in Nantou County if you ever visit Taiwan.
Be wary of vague blends sold under the Milk Oolong name from less reputable companies - these are rarely the real thing. Check reviews and descriptions carefully when exploring new brands.
How to Brew Milk Oolong Tea
Follow these brewing tips to get the best flavor from your Milk Oolong:
- Use fresh, pure filtered water. High mineral content water can overpower the tea's subtle flavors.
- Measure out the tea leaves instead of using tea bags. 2-3 grams per 6 oz cup is a good starting point.
- Heat water to 180°F - 195°F. Too hot will scorch the leaves.
- Rinse the leaves briefly with hot water first. Then steep for 1-2 minutes for the first infusion.
- Add 30 seconds to subsequent infusions, up to 5-6 total infusions.
- Try using a small teapot to allow the leaves to unfurl properly.
- Drink Milk Oolong plain to fully taste its natural flavors. Milk or sugar overpowers the tea.
With high-quality leaves and proper brewing, you can experience Milk Oolong's distinctive and delicious creamy, floral character. Adjust the ratios and steeping times until you find your perfect cup!
Common Questions about Milk Oolong Tea
Is Milk Oolong actually milky in taste?
Yes! Authentic Milk Oolong has a creamy, milky taste, hence the name. The tea gets this flavor from the unique processing method - lightly bruising and oxidizing the fresh leaves, then roasting in charcoal. When brewed properly, the tea will have a smooth, mellow mouthfeel with milky and buttery notes, especially in the aftertaste. The flavor can range from a subtle milkiness to a richer, creamier profile depending on the processing style.
Why does milk taste vary between different Milk Oolongs?
There are a few reasons why the intensity and exact flavor profile can differ:
- Oxidation level - More heavily oxidized leaves have a richer, deeper milk taste. Light oxidation preserves more fresh, floral notes.
- Roast level - Longer charcoal roasting brings out a woodsy, toasted quality. Shorter roasts keep it creamy and green.
- Leaf grade - Hand-picked bud and tip sets have the most nuanced flavor. Older leaves taste coarser and less milky.
- Freshness - Milkiness declines with age as the leaves dry out. Fresher harvests are most creamy.
- Brewing - Proper water temp, ratio, and steeping boosts milkiness. Overbrewing makes it bitter and harsh.
The tea's origin, cultivation, and processing heavily influence the exact milk taste profile. Try different styles to discover your favorite!
How does Milk Oolong get its milky flavor without milk?
There are a few factors that contribute to Milk Oolong's creamy taste profile:
- A unique amino acid called theanine, which imparts a naturally sweet, milky quality
- Light oxidation, which develops this amino acid during processing
- Roasting, which caramelizes the leaves' sugars to increase smoothness and accentuate the milky notes
- The tea variety used - the Chin Xin Oolong cultivar commonly used for Milk Oolong has an inherent milkiness
- Terroir - The growing conditions in Nantou County produce leaves tailored to Milk Oolong processing
No milk is added to create the flavor. It comes solely from the tea leaves and production methods. The milk taste is an all-natural result of the oxidation, roast, cultivar, and origin combination.
Should I add milk, cream or sweeteners to Milk Oolong tea?
Milk Oolong is traditionally drank plain without adding actual milk, cream, sugar or other sweeteners. The natural milky taste is robust enough on its own. Adding dairy, sweeteners or flavorings will cover up the subtle floral and roasted notes.
To fully appreciate the tea's complexity, it is best enjoyed plain, without anything extra. Many Milk Oolong connoisseurs consider adding milk or sweeteners to be detrimental to the tea's flavor profile. Part of the art is crafting the perfect infusion to highlight the delicate milkiness.
However, adding a touch of milk or sweetener is a matter of personal preference. Especially as a creamier comfort drink, adjusted to your tastes, Milk Oolong can be enjoyed with add-ins too. Just brew it plain first to appreciate the unadulterated flavors.
What is the difference between Milk Oolong and Taiwanese Oolong teas?
Milk Oolong is a distinctive type of Oolong that comes from Taiwan. But it differs from other Taiwanese Oolongs in a few key ways:
- Taste - Milk Oolong has a creamy, milky taste, while other Oolongs are typically more floral, fruity, or vegetal.
- Appearance - The charcoal roasting gives Milk Oolong leaves a reddish hue vs the dark green of unroasted Oolongs.
- Oxidation - Milk Oolong goes through very light oxidation of 10-20% vs more thorough oxidation for other Taiwanese Oolongs.
- Processing - Milk Oolong is the only Oolong specially bruised and charcoal roasted to develop its signature flavor.
- Region - While Taiwan produces many excellent Oolongs, true Milk Oolong comes solely from Nantou County.
So while classified as a Taiwanese Oolong, Milk Oolong's distinct processing and taste set it clearly apart from the other main styles like Da Hong Pao, Dong Ding, and Ali Shan. All provide amazing flavor experiences to try and compare!
Conclusion
With its irresistible creamy, buttery flavor, Milk Oolong is a tea that all tea connoisseurs should try. Sourcing authentic Milk Oolong from Taiwan and brewing it properly allows you to experience its famous milky aroma and taste. Drinking high-quality Milk Oolong is an indulgence that brightens any tea session. Use the guidance in this buying guide to demystify the choices and hone in on the perfect Milk Oolong selection to suit your preferences. Soon you’ll be sipping this luxuriously mellow and sweet tea like a true milk tea expert!