When I first tried this I had said the leather taste was a bit overwhelming but was willing to give it another try. I got my sample today, so I’m writing another note. I’m glad that I did. I love the TeaVivre sample packaging. The mini-tin foil packages with all the info printed on them. I wish they offered a big bag of them with all kinds of their different teas. I would get it since it’s so convenient.
The dry leaves were a mixture of dark and golden long strands, very little tea dust. The dry leaves had an earthy aroma. The wet leaves smelled of earth, leather, smoke. The liquor was a very dark brown similar to that of coffee with some deep red hues. The taste was what I remembered: Earthy, smooth, mellow. The leather notes were definitely there as before but it didn’t bother me this time around, perhaps because I’m relatively new to ripe Pu’er (Sheng person) and am getting used to it more and more. I’m having it around noon but I think this tea would be great any time as it’s soothing, comforting, mellow. Maybe nice on a cold night, snuggled watching your favorite movie. I bumped the rating up because I really didn’t think I gave it a fair shot the first time since like I said I have little experience with ripe pu-erhs. It was very enjoyable and ultra smooth.
Yixing gaiwan, 212℉, 110ml, 7g, 8 steeps: rinse, 10s, 15s, 20s, 25s, 30s, 50s, 80s, 120s
Flavors: Earth, Hay, Leather, Smoke
