Lesson 5 of 9 · Knowing the base teas

Summer Lotus Oolong Tea

Young lotus aroma, soft taste, a light sweet finish that comes later

Vietnamese name on the menu and cup label: Trà Oolong Sen Hạ.

What this drink is

An oolong base, kept gentler than the other teas to suit the lotus. Scented with lotus.

Remember this so you never mix it up

Take this with you. The lotus aroma does NOT show up right away in the nose, it comes AFTER YOU SWALLOW. Remember this when advising guests, because many think the cup has no aroma.

Telling the guest

A pure lotus aroma, a soft milk base, a deep sweet finish. It calls to mind a still lotus pond at summer noon.

Who it suits

• Guests who like traditional tea
• Guests buying a gift
• Guests who want something calm

When you serve it, invite the guest to smell first, then hold the first sip in the mouth for a moment. Say this and the guest catches the aroma, skip it and many people miss it.