TenFu's Tea

There were a few different quality jasmine tea at TenFu’s (5 or 6 if my memory is right); the highest being Pearl, the others ranging from full / almost full leaves to small pieces / fannings.
I bought both the pearl (to be reviewed separately) and the highest grade of jasmine tea leaves.
Most of the leaves / pieces od leaves are around 2 cm long; some stems also found their way into the bag :(
The tea color is a golden yellow. The smell is nice; the taste strong both on tea and jasmine – the two tastes being quite distinguishable. I noticed it’s important not to let it steep long, as it turns quite bitter.
Overall this is a nice jasmine tea, but nothing wowed me; it jut felt like a good very standard and bland blend. I’m not sure I’ll be able to finish the pack I have.
I’ve also tried it iced (with a hot steep, which I believe is imperative to avoid the bitterness); it’s just ok.
I would recommand to any potential buyer to put the few more bucks required to upgrade to the Pearl rather than get this one.

Found this shou puerh at such a bargain! It was >$7 for 150grams. With that being said, I prefer it well above any of the other puerhs I have found in this pricing structure.

It infuses very fast and is a nice clean tea to the palate, even on the first steeping (after, of course the leaves being washed). The fragrance of the leaves resembles a green oolong, yet when steeped it looses most of that fragrance. Honestly, it smells like gold fish food; no joke! That is the only thing fishy here though, because the taste is excellent. It sips very smoothly and lingers this smoothness well after you are done drinking (for the moment:) It certainly has you coming back for more!

Thanks for sending me this one PoliticalMachine! It was a learning experience to be sure.
The leaves are typical, nice and rolled, and smell like a mild spring flower. Once steeped, it leans more toward the green side of Oolong. It has some of those irritants that make my throat all itchy but nothing like jasmine tea!
There is also a vegetal aspect when I first sip, followed by a fresh water note. It finishes with a nice nutty aftertaste.
I added no sugar, but there is a slight sweetness to it that comes out in the finish as well. There is the tiniest hint of milkiness, but I think that is more an extension of the nutty note.
The first infusion was a bit strong for my liking, but the second was much more balanced. I’ll try and do a third now!

First steep

Not much of a smell. Fairly strong jasmine taste. Aftertaste quickly fades away to nothing.

Jasmine teas tend to all be pretty much the same, and this is no different. That doesn’t mean that it’s bad though.

Deliciously light, golden clear liquid. Thoroughly infused with the fragrance of jasmine, yet not overly-powerful so as to upset the delicate balance of the tea. This may indeed be my first tasting note for a non-black tea. I was quite surprised with how satisfied I was drinking the tea as is without the need to add anything. Now gearing up for a 2nd infusion. A new favorite to add to my collection!