O-MW-052

Malawi Oolong

African estate semi-oxidised oolong, from Thyolo, Malawi.

Oolong tea

Malawi Oolong is strongest on sweetness, smoothness and fruity. Typical tasting words: peach, honey, apricot, toffee, cedar. Pioneered on the Satemwa estate in the Shire Highlands to transition historical CTC black tea production into high-value specialty leaves. A signature offering of modern African specialty tea, celebrated for its unique terroir and guava-like stone-fruit notes.

Also known as Satemwa Oolong and Thyolo Oolong.

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The profile

Taste, 0 to 5

sweetness4bitterness1astringency2umami1brightness3body3smoothness4aroma intensity3finish length3

Flavour families, 0 to 5

floral2fruity4vegetal0marine0nutty2toasty2malty2honey3spicy1woody2earthy1smoky0creamy1citrus1stone fruit3tropical2cocoa1caramel2

Facts

Origin: Thyolo, Malawi
Plant: Camellia sinensis var. assamica or local cultivars
Harvest: rainy season through dry winter
Elevation: mid
Oxidation: 40 to 65%
Roast: light
Leaf: twisted
Price band: mid-range
Availability: specialist
Ageing: a little
Forgiving to brew: 4 of 5
L-theanine: low

Made by: withering, then bruising, then partial oxidation, then pan-heating, then rolling, then drying.

Caffeine

A cup of Malawi Oolong carries a typical estimate of 45 mg of caffeine, within a range of 30 to 60 mg depending on leaf amount, water temperature and steeping time. Figures are estimates for a 240 ml cup. Better earlier in the day if you are sensitive to caffeine. The caffeine planner turns this into a daily total.

How to brew it

Method	Leaf	Water	Steeps
Western, 250 ml	3 g	88 to 95 °C	2.5 min, 3 min, 4 min
Gongfu, 100 ml	5 g	90 to 95 °C	Rinse, then 20 s, 25 s, 35 s, 50 s, 70 s, 90 s
Cold brew, 250 ml	3 g	Fridge	8 to 12 hours

Up to 6 infusions. Scale for your own pot with the brew calculator.

Drinking it

morning
afternoon
afternoon
relaxing
after_meal

Pairs with pastry, chocolate and scones_cakes. Milk: no. Iced: yes. Sweetener: no. Good for beginners: yes.