You don’t know what you got until it’s gone.
I filled my yixing with whatever was left of my bag (probably at least 10-15 grams lol) from last year in an effort to drink within freshness and to clear room in my cupboard.
This is still one the most unique black teas I have ever tasted. Fruity, sweet, silky, complex, with just the right amount of body. I taste over-ripened plum very pleasant sweet add a tail of sourness, with hints of thyme/oregano or some other woody spicy herb in the background. This one is a crowd pleaser for sure I even poured some for my guests who have american “pepsi palates” and they actually enjoyed and asked for seconds(usually the best I can get out of friends is a sip and a patronizing “not bad”). The flavor profile is the complete opposite of chinese hongcha, a lot sweeter/smoother /fruitier, less astringent, a nice break from my usual fare.
The calming effect and unbelievably perfect body makes the leaves origin apparent, far more than being a marketing ploy of buzz words associated with the description. This high mountain black tea has theanine left from the roasting to give you the gao shan relaxed buzz but with a taste thats more bold and “heavier” than a typical floral green oolong.
Is it worth the $11/oz price tag? Depends on your budget I suppose but I would repurchase for sure. But like anything else the quality bump that comes with the high price tag would not be appreciated from new comers. I have come to appreciate teas too much to let price tags bother me especially when I stop comparing prices to other teas and start comparing prices to other beverages . I also don’t mind supporting eco cha as a company they seem to have a friendly, transparent orientation.
Flavors: Black Currant, Plums, Smooth, Sweet, Thyme, Wood
