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derk drank Huang Mudan by Song Tea & Ceramics

1551 tasting notes

Can be brewed with a variety of parameters to produce such varied experiences, from sweet and light yet rich, to something substantially driven by an umami with a deeper, grassy vibe. Somewhere along that continuum, you can strike pure gold. Interesting ‘fatty’ feel that’s not quite like the usual butteriness of green teas but something more like pure animal fat, though it doesn’t taste or smell anything like that feeling. Glassy, viscous liquor; little hairs catch the sun like flecks of glitter. It’s so crystal clear.

I didn’t give this stunning tea the attention it deserves. Fancy stuff. Recommended for experimenters with a love for the finer things.

Flavors: Brisk, Broth, Buffalo Grass, Burlap, Caramelized Sugar, Ginger, Herbaceous, Marigold, Mineral, Pineapple, Rice, Rich, Spicy, Sweet, Umami, Viscous, White Pepper

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derk
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Got a freebie with my last order so tried it out a few times grandpa style in a mason jar. Bright and sharp with a light broccoli? character. Not quite a green tea taste which makes sense given the stunning golden color of the wet leaf. Better in ceramic than in glass. Much preferred steeped in a basket infuser.

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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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