359 Tasting Notes
Having my fix on this wonderful pure cup of awesomeness.
The Tea Gods have been so good to me lately.
But really, this one I have a soft spot for.
I covet it and I cherish it.
Salty, sweet liquid caramel with plums dates and figs. This is what this is. It’s a little grainy and boozy as well, I notice now.
I just can’t be without it.
So I ran to the market yesterday to get me some cherries!!! (By now, you might know I kind of have an obsession with them)
So this morning, I am dipping them in Terri’s coconut whipped cream. And I promise you that nothing in the world tastes better than this…except maybe my Ailaoshan Black!!!
Have yourself a great day everyone :-)
I got my free samples this week and why not start sampling tonight!
Using the full sample in a 6oz gaiwan.
Well…hello beautiful.
Talk about a full cup of yum.
This is everything I like about a high mountain oolong…and more.
The elements I’m really digging are usually the floral, spicy and minty aspects, and I get them all here. Nice florals that might be a little more perfumed then what I’m used to, but really, I can’t name the flowers cause it’s none of the ones I’m used to find in greener oolongs, which are orchids and lilacs.
The usual spiciness which translates into nutmeg for me is also there, and so is that fresh mouthfeel I get at the end of the sip.
What’s really different about this oolong is its fruitiness. It so full of fruits, it almost tastes tropical to me. The fact that it’s also creamy makes me think of Pina Colada. I also get grapes and apple notes.
There’s a certain bite to it also, a briskness. I wouldn’t say it’s bitter, but it’s a tad astringent. Nothing offensive though, makes the flavours pop even more.
I have many more steeps to come, and might finish it with a cold brew.
I am very impressed with this first sample.
Thank you so much Green Terrace Teas for this opportunity.
I know, at one point I really tasted pins colada. I normally get gardenia, in green Oolong’s. A scent I only know well, because we used to have a lovely mature bush at a house we had when I lived further south from here. The scent is spicy and intoxicating. I got lilac on this one ironically as it reminded me of this huge bush around the corner from me. I loved the fruit notes in this one.
It really is interesting, I like it a lot! I don’t even think I know what gardenias smell like, but I envy you for having had some near by :-)
I can’t find the thread, but I remember reading something about getting 20% off for reviewing their teas, do you know how it works, do I just send an email when my three reviews are done?
The instructions were on the card the sent. I think they want us to post our reviews on their site.
Ahhh! That’s it!!! Thanks, it must still be in the envelope, silly me :-)
I need to write about this one yet, but this was so nice! I couldn’t believe how smooth and strong the flavors were.
I just ordered my samples – I don’t know why I didn’t see it earlier.
Teatiff, I drink loads of green oolong and this one is truly different…can’t wait to read your review.
MzPriss, I will let you know when I see promo stuff from now on :-)
Have you guys requested your $6 gift card from Teavivre?
I did not know about Teavivre – I can always use some more Bailin GF. I will go check their site
Apparently I was not quick enough and the gift cards are all gone – oh well, they are doing other stuff later
Shout, so sorry you missed it :-(
HHHHMMMmmmmmmmm……
Did you miss it also DEX? If so, I haven’t been a good tea friend, so sorry :-(
No I got one – I got an email about it from them (I seem to be signed up to a gazillion newslwtters). I was just pondering a comment here.
Haha! Think I know which one…oops.
I got this one too! Can’t wait to try it. ^^
(I thought we weren’t ordering more tea….)
Oh, oh, look! A new Mandala pu’erh!!
Ok, I’ve never had this one before. So I took my glass gongfu pot and decided that we were going to have our first date together.
Woah! This tea is not the shy type. It is bold an it’s taking charge.
Rich and creamy, with leather and barn notes.
I wish you could smell the wet leaves. They smell like a big pile of damp oak and maple leaves in the fall. It’s a scent of the forest and the outdoors, just can’t get enough of it.
It’s super flavourful, reminds me of Special Dark a lot but not as chocolaty and a little sweeter.
It gets richer and creamier as I steep it. I like the nuttiness in the background that develops, it’s a little hazel-nutty.
At the fourth steep, I forgot to poor…the water stayed in for almost 15 minutes. There’s a good 7g of tea in a tiny 5oz pot, but it didn’t get too strong or astringent.
I’m so happy I took advantage of the sale to hoard it!
There will be many other dates with this one, and I can’t wait :-)
It’s a yummy one allright, I live Special Dark and Noble Mark more but I love this one a lot.
Tea hoarder!
this is one of my favourites
It really is something special…I just haven’t come across a shou pu’erh from Mandala that I don’t like!
(I admit to tea hoarding, look at my cup-hoard!!!!)
LMAP @ cup-hoard. I just got the Old Nuggets for the firat time, I need to get those out and try them
Thanks for the Imperial Dark / Special Dark comparison.
“It gets richer and creamier as I steep it. I like the nuttiness in the background that develops, it’s a little hazel-nutty.” – Sounds intriguing!
I went to read my note – couldnt find. Oops, Steepster ate it. Again.
(Why did I not send you some of this? Bad Dex!!!)
I thought this was Special Dark’s little brother – but I still don’t understand the leather thing….
Did I get old nuggets? Can’t remember lol, we’ll see when “hoard-er” #3 comes in!!
LooseTman, there’s already a large sample in your box…lol, will have to send you that box one of these days…but I keep waiting for stuff to arrive. I should mail it early next week, will let you know :-)
Boychik, I know right? Where do they go, do they expire or something? Maybe there’s a steepster note cemetery somewhere that we are unaware of…
Dexter, Special Dark’s little brother is exactly that! And you did not HAVE to send me any, silly. (i will have 8oz of it, buzz me if YOU want any!!)
“… there’s already a large sample in your box…lol,”
TheTeaFairy, You’re too kind! :-D (No rush, whenever it’s convenient.)
“Oops, Steepster ate it. Again.”
boychik, It’s very time-inefficient when that happens and aggravating too! Life is too short! I now compose my notes in Word and then cut and paste them into Steepster.
looseTman, good idea. I remember I had that discussion with other Steepsterers what if ….I don’t want to mention, don’t want to jinx it. We need a back up. My hubby is database administrator. Programs crush all the time:(((
I’m liking Temple Stairs more and more…I find myself longing for it. Could it be addictive?
It fills me with positive energy in the morning. What a great warming feeling it provides.
I think it’s my most “elegant” shou pu’erh, not as bold and strong as some others, but still imposing its presence in a sophisticated way.
I love how the steeps evolve, and contrary to Special Dark, I prefer drinking this one Gongfu style. (Special Dark is my Big Mug guy!)
It’s got a light brothy mushroom flavour or “dampness” if the word mushroom in tea scares some of you.
There’s faint bittersweetness about it, hard to describe. Cooked turnips come to mind.
I love how creamy this is. I also detect notes of cocoa, but they aren’t prominent in this tea.
(Now, something I read put the thought of fresh cherries in my head early on this morning.
I think I have enough Temple Stairs energy stocked in me now to jog to the market and get me some!)
Have a great Wednesday dear Steepster friends!
You are right, Special Dark is great for “big mug” type steeping. I haven’t tried Temple Stairs yet but I hope to sometime soon! Also I too think puerh can be addictive :)
Mushrooms….you’re making me nervous about my Temple Stairs purchase, haha
Yay! I had Temple Stairs this morning! I am really excited about this tea. The 100 gram cakes will begin arriving in a few weeks and while I don’t want to wish time away, these cakes will be cha-mazing in 2 to 3 years. I hope I had enough of them pressed (500 cakes, 10,000 mini-tuochas) cause I’m gonna hog a few of them for myself :) Happy wednesday to each of you.
Stephanie, don’t we looove our big mug of special dark!!
Whatshesaid, I was actually thinking about you, lol!! It’s nothing offensive really, no worries :-)
Garret, i just love ALL your pu’erh!! Cha-mazing sounds just perfect :-)
I am having Imperial Dark for the first time and now I just don’t know which is my favourite anymore, so good!!
Your reviews are so seriously adorable. You make me want to do nothing but drink tea all day long.
Lol, Sarsonator, that’s because I haven’t been working for the first time in my life. I usually work 50 to 60 hours a week, so I actually DO take advantage and drink tea all day :-) life will take its course eventually, work madness will pick up where I left it and you won’t be seeing these notes quite as often, that’s for sure!
Then I will enjoy them while I can. :)
“Your reviews are so seriously adorable.” +1
You guys are very good for my self esteem :-) :-) :-)
Because Sarsonator can’t help talking about how delicious cinnamon is, I’ve decided to drink one of my favourite cinnaNOM tea…. (Sarsonator looooves cinnaNOM!)
Yes, this is a delicious blend, full of nominess. Lenommy, cinnanommy, choconommy.
Yes, that’s a lot of nommy and me like a lot.
AHHHH MY WHISPERING PINES IS COMING TOMORROW AND I’M SO EXCITED! :D
Woohooo!!!
Sorry, your note reminded me that I ordered this tea and I’m excited to give it another try. :)
Haha! Well tea IS exciting my dear Cameron, especially when it’s a WP order :-)
I remember this brewed a little weak for you right?
Yeah, it didn’t like me that day apparently. :P
Eeeeeeeeeew! CinnaBLARGH!!!!!!
I like this one, though. I didn’t find the cinnamon to be so unpleasant here.
Mine’s coming tomorrow too hopefully! My first order I’m so excited! (: I ordered this as well.
Lol, glad you can tolerate this one Sarsonator ;-)
Hope you get yours also Mandy!
This is mighty good.
I’m inaugurating a new bright yellow and blue Gaiwan, I love it!
I don’t drink Dancong as much as I should. I like them only Gongfu style. They are so full of nuances and surprises, I find it all gets lost in a large cup.
This one is super fruity. Roasted bittersweet citrus notes are the stars here, at least during the first 3 steeps.
Have you ever grilled Ruby Red grapefruits on the BBQ? You caramelize them slowly and brush them with honey. They get sweeter, but they remain bitter at the same time. This is what is tastes like.
The taste lingers and lingers…
Then it gets more roasty and woodsy, I get incense and sandalwood notes, that’s even more present in the scent than in the taste itself. It also becomes spicier and richer, but the finish is a nice floral. Told you it was full of surprises!
It also gets sweeter, my lips tastes like honey after each sips…(it’s not my lip gloss, not wearing any!)
I made up my mind, this is the dark oolong I’m choosing to season one of my yixing pots this week end…
It is totally worthy!
Nice! Have fun with seasoning!
This sounds lovely.
Mmmmm Dancong my fave
This sounds good…as does the grapefruit on the grill. Just honey? Direct or indirect heat?
Thanks boychik, I’m sure it’ll be fun :-)
The tea is really good, and it steeps forever!!
Cheri, I cut them in half, and brush them with just a little coconut oil, then I put them face down on the grill, indirect heat. When they are well caramelized, I glaze them with honey face up otherwise it would stick all over your grill. It’s a quick dessert when you have people over during summer and it makes you look really smart even though it’s so easy! I serve them now with Terri’s coconut whipped cream instead of vanilla ice cream. yum, I think I’m gonna make some now, lol!
TTF, that sounds amazing and pretty easy. Thanks!
Yummo
Oh, and the same with pineapples, also delish!!
I need some pics of this new gaiwan :)
Beautiful description, & so spot on! I need to have a session with this tea, it’s been awhile.
I almost made coconut whip cream today. I picked blackberries, & really wanted to use my almond flour pancake recipe to make little shortcakes, with the berries & whipped cream, but I didn’t really have time to do all that, so I ended up just eating them instead.
Thanks Terri..and that cream is so NOM!!! My CocoTerriWhip :-)
Haha! Here it is just for you Sarsonator…
https://www.flickr.com/photos/laafeevertee/14322089098/in/photostream
Lovely!!!! It’s so pretty!
I would like to add that I discovered grilled watermelon this year and it is fabulous as well. Especially if you use it in a caprese salad with mozzarella basil and a little balsamic omg!!
Grilled peaches sprinkled with brown sugar and apples the same way are nice too.
And figs! Grilled figs – also with the coconut whip or with vanilla ice cream.
New gaiwan??? Oh! Pretty! It’s other Mandala one besides the pink one right? I oogled it too :)
I have some of this tea too. Maybe tomorrow morning. I had kind if forgotten about it.
Lol, i love how these threads turn into food fest! Great suggestions everyone :-)
mzPriss, I came so close to buy the pink one!
Beautiful Gaiwan!
Grilled watermelon…never even considered that! I have several sugar babies in my garden, so I might have to give it a try, although I can’t have the mozzarella, but I have some kickass balsamic!
Stephanie, that sounds amazing.
This came to me from Terri Harplady.
Well ain’t that a beauty. Long downy bright golden strands. Pure buds indeed.
The taste did surprise me a little. I was expecting a candy sweet cup, but it’s got a little more character than that.
First, it’s provides a very interesting texture. It feels thick and powdery in the mouth.
I’m a little perplexed by it. It’s brisk and bright, the way fresh green bell peppers are. It’s also a bit earthy and woodsy. I also get plums and flowers. It’s not overly malty and I get no cocoa in this at all.
I can’t say this is my favourite type of black, but I like that it surprised me and gave me a good morning cup.
Thank you Terri for helping me narrowing down my favourite Yunnan Sourcing teas. I don’t think I would order this one, but I’m so happy I got try it but also see it cause it’s so beautiful.
MzPriss inspired me to drink some Bailin this morning.
I need all the yumminess I can get and this is a full cup of exactly that.
I so love this tea, it’s like a comfy pair of jeans or slippers. You just know it’s going to hug you the right way in all the right places!
Think freshly baked bread, with honey and cocoa notes. It’s creamy and malty, with some hay.
It might not the be the most complex tea, but it is so good and tasty, it makes everything right.
This has been a permanent tea in my collection, and it’s not going anywhere!
Oh I love the comparison to comfy slippers. Yum!
Sometimes it’s enough just to know what you’ll be getting.
It’s in my permanent collection too and likely to stay that way since I can’t get the lid off the tin…
Ship it to me, I’ll get it off. Mua ha ha.
Yep, Teatift, total slipper comfy kind of tea!
Marzipan, you are so right, sometimes you need the 100% proof stuff.
MzPriss, Maybe ask Kali’s help since Tina is temporarily disabled? (Don’t trust Marzipan, she’s totally going to drink it all…I know cause I would do the same ;-))
(Oops, sorry I massacred your name TeaTiff )
I’m busted.
I need to get a little thin bladed knife down in there but yes – if I give it to the girls they could get it open.
Marizan – you ARE busted :)
and you’re right TeaF – total comfort tea this
Sooo…I could reach for the cognac bottle early in the day, but I don’t do hard liquor much. If you guys want to know why, just read passed the line.
I really need something powerful. Wicked good. Must also smell heavenly. Please.
Golden Orchid, sorry to pick you at such an irreverent moment, but I need you.
This tea…please, really? I dare anyone not to like this. For real, if you don’t like this tea, I’ll take it personal.
Don’t be fooled by the fact that this has vanilla. This is not just vanilla. Nope.
This is high end vanilla and fudge ice cream mixed together. It’s creamy velvety and gooey fudgy.
This is vanilla/chocolate perfected to the 10th power with soft notes of cherries and honey.
Can I be more clear? I don’t think so.
Have this and be happy. Life will be good again.
__________________________________________________
So this was my 5:00am ordeal:
Doggy needs walking, it’s early morning.
Leash unnecessary, obedient doggy.
Beautiful day, forest is calm.
On our way back, dog takes the lead.
See from afar, black and white critter.
Is it a cat? No time to think.
Dog is now running, I stand there frozen.
Eww, I can smell it, this was no kitty.
Sprayed by a skunk, doggy now crying.
The end.
That’s what people. This was his second time. You’d think they’d learn, but noooo, doesn’t work like that apparently.
Good thing I now keep a few litres of peroxide around. After spending nearly one hour washing him, the smell is now all over ME!
Beautiful fragrance, really. I call it “Skunky Fairy Funk”, a mysterious and pungent musty-earthy-woodsy scent that lingers and lasts for-everrrr…we guarantee it.
Oh noooooooo! 5:00am is way too early for most things, but especially for getting skunked :-(
OMG – poor Dexter! Poor Fairy! Maybe Dexter needs glasses so he can SEE what’s chasing. That is not the way to start the morning. You might night to drink the GO ALL DAY LONG! And I’m with you – I defy anyone not to adore the GO – the vanilla fudge bomb.
@TeaF just keep your snoot in the GO tin til the bad smell goes away – then you will be high on vanilla fudge smell and it will be all better…
Ew, skunk smell! You definitely need something good and comforting.
So sorry . Big hug <3
Thanks you guys, feeling much better already…scrubbed myself to death with my best shower gel and drowned myself in lotion. Hope I smell better now :-)
I’m having my GO right now. Damn this is good!
Isn’t it? And that new vanilla makes it even more decadent if that’s possible. I couldn’t do a side by side cause I was out when the new version arrived, but do you see the difference or is it in my head?
NO I totally can tell a difference. This cup is among the last little bit of my “old” vanilla and I still love it a LOT, but I love the new one a little bit more. I just called the vet – we got an early appointment – in a HOUR from now, so that’s good as it won’t take a chunk out of the day later.
Yay! Seems like both our dogs need lots of attention today….just wish they could have found a better way!!
Yeah. Sigh. At least she LIKES going to the vet. My older dog hated it and I mean HATED. He shook and shivered from the minute we got in the car of he thought we were going that way. Bess his little soul. These girls LOVE the vet. I need to finish up this cup of GO and then get them ready to go.
Oh no! That happened to me with my cat. Couldn’t wash him outside. Washed him in the bathroom and it took a week and 20+ cleans of the bathroom. He ended up with 4 or 5 baths and he’s a persian that hates baths and grooming. My nerves were frazzled that week. My heart goes out to you. Nobody else except those who’ve gone through this know what it’s really like.
Oh, so sorry you had to go through that with your cat Ubacat. You are right, it’s such an awful experience. Thank god for the peroxide/baking soda solution though, it really helps. At least, I was able to wash him outside, but yes, it will take some days and a few more baths before it’s completely gone!
Oh NO Mr. Bill! Skunky Dexter & “Skunky Fairy Funk”!
Perhaps these links may offer some additional ideas:
https://duckduckgo.com/?q=skunk+smell+removal+peroxide
https://duckduckgo.com/?q=skunk+smell+removal
Oh my! That does not sound like fun. I hope you two start to have a better day!
At least the tea was amazing. Hopefully the skunk smell dissipates quickly.
Lol, looseTman :-) and thanks for the links, will check them out.
Thanks TeaTiff and Cheri, we feel better already :-)
I fad animal problems today yet I have no cat and no dog and an SO who is very Very allergic. SO this am I was rushing out (for an extra workout long swim before starting the week) I opened the door an a cat ran in the house. Its a beautiful looking orange cat with cheetah like spots that kept jumping on things a yowling at me. Eventually I got it out of the house with a tuna bribe (which means it will come back no doubt) then had to vacuum everything before rushing off! Not as bad as your black and white kitty but I share some of your pain!
Oh noooo!
Oh, my poor Tea Fairy! At least your sense of humor is intact, & there is tea!
I’m on a chocolate tea rampage this morning.
Need some pu-pu love? Have a delicious cup of Special Dark cocoa goodness .
Now, this is not for the sweet milk chocolate lovers.
No, this is for the dark chocolate lovers.
I know it’s not the recommended way to brew it, but I do like mine western style, brewed for 5 long minutes.
The result is a deep bitter chocolate taste that cannot be surpassed. Sometimes I cheat and add a little almond milk.
Ooh, la, la…sooo goood!!!
Sounds like just my kind of chocolate.
You know how much I love my SD. I do mine western style too usually – for 7 minutes. It is my comfort zone this tea.
Sounds good! TeaTiff send me a sample of this, I’ll have to try it that way. What temperature water do you use and how long of a rinse? :)
(Looks around – psssssst I never rinse this one, it’s the only one I don’t bother with a rinse for – don’t tell anyone) and I use boiling water – this bad boy can take whatever you throw at it and still be all of the delicious.
It is also amazing gong fu stylee
I REALLY have to try this one of these days!
I’m not a sweet milk chocolate lover. But how bitter are we talking here?
Hard to explain looseTman, maybe similar to semi-bitter chocolate, if you ever had the 80% stuff? Nothing offensive, just not sweet… and that is ONLY cause I steep it for 5 min. It is full bodied and smoother with one to two min. or even brewed gongfu style.
Does that make you feel better? :-)
“Nothing offensive, just not sweet… " – Cool!
I have to add its not earthy like most shou. I even have like farina note in addition to 80% chocolate. Like dark chocolate pudding. Creamy too. But I have wild imagination haha
I am trying this one tomorrow AM! MzHoneyBelle was kind enough to send me a sample, and I am itchin’ to try it! I’m sure I’ll love it!!!
Can’t wait to find out what you think!
(Well don’t feel bad if you don’t but I’m pretty sure you will like it :-))
And MzHoneyBelle is awesome!
Coconut whipped cream? How do you make that? It sounds amazing.as does the tea)/
Frolic, here’s Terri Harplady’s recipe:
2 cans of regular coconut milk you keep in the fridge for 2 days to hardened it. You scoop out the white part and dispose of the water that you can keep for smoothies or whatever.
You mix the coconut cream with a hand mixer until it becomes the consistence of whipped cream. You can add a little maple syrup or if you want it sweeter. I’ve been also adding lemon and orange zests to mine. It is to die for!!!
This one’s my favorite :-)
My hubby likes this one the best i think, even better than Fujian Black
I just had a bowl of cherries but no coconut cream sad face
Mj, its ”our” favourite ;-)
Tommy, it is obvious that your hubby has great taste!!
Boychik, you have got to try this cream….but cherries are cherries, excellent au naturel :-)
Haha, definitely our favorite :-). I had a whole pot of it on Tuesday in “our” teapot (the white and teal one from David’s Tea)
MzHoneyBelle likes this one a LOT too and mj it is indeed “our” teapot as mine is on the way. I cannot stand it anymore and I am going to Whole Foods and getting me some damn cherries like right now! And TerriWhip is awesome (even if it makes her sound like a dominatrix) and I have some in the fridge
Haha, mj and MzPriss titally “our” teapot!!
And get them cherries!!! With TerriCocoWhip (the rated PG version) it’s just heaven in a bowl.
I tried my sample this morning and it was just so gorgeous. It made me happy, and I was even drinking it at work! And I STILL felt happy! LOL. Thanks so much to MzPriss for the sample. Obviously, I ordered some.
My Whispering Pines “must try” list keeps growing. :)
Haha! Welcome to the club Nightshifter :-)
Sarsonator… obviously!!!