FORMOSA OOLONG (Oolong Tea). COUNTRY OF ORIGIN: Taiwan. GRADE: Special Oolong. MANUFACTURE TYPE: Traditional orthodox. CUP CHARACTERISTICS: A tea with a thin liquor and a bakey but somewhat sweet fruity character. INFUSION: Tending black. INGREDIENTS: Oolong tea. TEA INFORMATION: Oolong means semi fermented. They are manufactured very similar to black teas, but are given a much shorter withering period, a light roll, and then allowed to ferment only until the edges of the leafs start to turn brown. The tea is then fired which arrests the fermenting process and captures the fascinating character of oolong. In Taiwan, producing oolong tea involves highly specialized skills in the control of the withering, oxidation and firing. A slight variance in any of these gives each variety a distinctive aroma, flavor, color and finish. The best Oolongs come from Taiwan where the making of oolong tea is regarded as a precious art that requires years of training. The husbandry of the tea farmer is a legacy passed down from many generations. The exceptional quality is the result of years of commitment.