Finished off my sample of this tea recently. Even though it was nearly a year old, it still tasted amazing. Verdant tea’s higher grade Dan Congs are really underrated around here. They are generally quite refined and exquisite.
I followed my usual method of brewing Dan Cong oolongs: 1 g per ounce of water, flash steeps using boiling water. Out of the bag, the tea smells woodsy with notes of tobacco and roasted peaches. Wet leaf brings out honey aromas and more stone fruit.
Tea starts off a bit woody and fruity with dried fruit and prune notes. As it steeps, it develops a honeyed sweetness and presents interesting notes of licorice, roasted fruit, and saffron. Subtle florals and nectarine appear along the way. Reminiscent at times of a peachy Mi Lan Xian.
Overall, a smooth and elegant Dan Cong with lots of subtlety and evolution of flavor over 8 steeps or so. Another winner from Verdant!
Flavors: Fruit Punch, Honey, Saffron, Wood
