93

Teapot time :) Spring 2018 harvest (I think).
5g, 100mL, 195F, short rinse followed by 8 steeps at 10/15/20/25/30/45/60/90s

This has to be one of the most pleasant high mountain oolongs I’ve come across thus far.

The dry leaf was very fragrant with savory, floral and sweet notes. In the warmed leaf, I think I could identify the savory note as buttered pumpkin, sweet cream and honeydew almost overripe. The florals I recognized were very sweet lilac, honeysuckle and faint orchid. These all became more apparent with the rinse.

The tea started out fragrant and full of flavor with tastes of minerals, vanilla, cream, butter, grass, strong but not overwhelming florals, light pumpkin. As the tastes lightened from the fourth steep on, I caught additions of sweetened coconut, then pineapple followed by lemon water and ending on a light, dark green vegetal note.

The dynamic aftertastes were a highlight of this tea. Very nice floral, sweet and buttered winter squash aftertaste on the first steep that made me go ‘Wow.’ That transitioned into a stronger floral fruitiness with some faint cooling, followed by green apple, to salt and pear, peach and finally ending with a nice mineral savoriness. The liquor was smooth and light throughout, producing a good amount of salivation, though I did notice a little bit of scratchiness in my throat.

I like that this tea didn’t have a noticeable energy, just a really pleasant delivery of tastes and transitions. Neither a floral nor vegetal bomb. It may not appeal to those who aren’t fans of minerals or saltiness but for me this tea had everything I could need: savory, sweet, floral, fruity, minerals, and a barely perceptible astringency.

Preparation
195 °F / 90 °C 5 g 3 OZ / 100 ML
derk

DId you drink this recently?

Daylon R Thomas

I’ve had last year’s, but your description was still awesome.

Mastress Alita

Oh man, this oolong sounds so bomb.

Kawaii433

Derk, thank you so much for your sample of this. It was lovely. <3 I had it last week and am almost done with the samples you sent me. The last few I “rated” but didn’t write about them. I think both you and easttyteaguy did fantastic reviews on it already. Thanks again!

derk

You’re welcome.

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Comments

derk

DId you drink this recently?

Daylon R Thomas

I’ve had last year’s, but your description was still awesome.

Mastress Alita

Oh man, this oolong sounds so bomb.

Kawaii433

Derk, thank you so much for your sample of this. It was lovely. <3 I had it last week and am almost done with the samples you sent me. The last few I “rated” but didn’t write about them. I think both you and easttyteaguy did fantastic reviews on it already. Thanks again!

derk

You’re welcome.

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Bio

This place, like the rest of the internet, is dead and overrun with bots. And thus I step away.

Eventual tea farmer. If you are a tea grower, want to grow your own plants or are simply curious, please follow me so we can chat.

I most enjoy loose-leaf, unflavored teas and tisanes. Teabags have their place. Some of my favorite teas have a profound effect on mind and body rather than having a specific flavor profile. Terpene fiend.

Favorite teas generally come from China (all provinces), Taiwan, India (Nilgiri and Manipur). Frequently enjoyed though less sipped are teas from Georgia, Japan, Nepal and Darjeeling. While I’m not actively on the hunt, a goal of mine is to try tea from every country that makes it available to the North American market. This is to gain a vague understanding of how Camellia sinensis performs in different climates. I realize that borders are arbitrary and some countries are huge with many climates and tea-growing regions.

I’m convinced European countries make the best herbal teas.

Personal Rating Scale:

100-90: A tea I can lose myself into. Something about it makes me slow down and appreciate not only the tea but all of life or a moment in time. If it’s a bagged or herbal tea, it’s of standout quality in comparison to similar items.

89-80: Fits my profile well enough to buy again.

79-70: Not a preferred tea. I might buy more or try a different harvest. Would gladly have a cup if offered.

69-60: Not necessarily a bad tea but one that I won’t buy again. Would have a cup if offered.

59-1: Lacking several elements, strangely clunky, possess off flavors/aroma/texture or something about it makes me not want to finish.

Unrated: Haven’t made up my mind or some other reason. If it’s pu’er, I likely think it needs more age.

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California, USA

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