Thanks to Sil for a sample of this rare tea! I wanted to truly take the time to try and appreciate its nuances, so I thought Sunday morning seemed like a good time.
I don’t have much to compare this to, since I’m still living in Flavour Town, but I think I liked it more than Laoshan Black. It was a bit more mild (that being said I steeped it three times in a small cup with only a heaping tsp of tea – trying to make it last so it wasn’t brewed very strong).
It was earthy but less so than Laoshan Black. I can see why it’s impressive.
I tried reaaal hard to get an idea of this whole “mouthfeel” thing that people with more teaxpertise (tea expertise) than myself have commented on, but I’m still at the “It’s hot liquid, and in my mouth it feels like hot liquid” phase. It did seem to be pretty smooth though. Didn’t seem to dry my mouth out as much as others.
It brewed up a light yellow color, probably would have been darker if I’d used more tea.
Smelled pleasant, only a bit earthy, slightly sweet. Definitely not noticing notes of baked goods as others have commented. But I doubt I’m ever likely to pull dessert notes out of a straight tea.
I drank it with no additives, maybe with some sugar it would become more flavorful. Seems a shame to do that though, as it’s so nice on its own.
I think I would actually attempt to buy this one. It was different, and not being one for straight black tea, I liked that this did have some unique flavour to it, even if I’m not able to describe exactly what that flavour may be!
(96 degrees for 1-2 min)
It’ll be back in stock soonish on verdants site if I remember right heh