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Strength without astringency. Sounds like the motto of some tea-related empire. However, it is the perfect descriptor for this cup of black tea! Thanks to DavidsTea’s “free cup of hot or iced tea for wearing green and visiting on St. Patrick’s Day” offer, I was able to try this.
Thanks, DavidsTea!

“Previous experience with many tie kwan yin (or ti kwan yin or ti guan yin or several other spellings) had attuned me to a typical green, buttery, creamy, smooth nose with these oolongs, but this one is different. I note that the tea smells darker, stronger, and more intense.
…in the flavor, I taste what had surprised me in the dry leaf aroma – those deep, rich notes. Originally, they had reminded me a bit of a roasted oolong, but I realize at first taste that this is not the same. Natural and flavorful, even not quite yet full, the mouth-coating flavors embody a dark, green sweetness. The very faintest hint of bitterness sits on the tongue in the aftertaste, truly not strong enough to distract from body (and perhaps even contributing a bit).”
Full review here: http://www.createwritedrink.com/2015/03/tea-review-tuesday-review-of-tea-aves.html

“The oolong scents are subdued, but the leaves are only just beginning to open. The first sip awaits… The jasmine bursts across the tongue, naturally sweet, yet not cloying, strong but not overwhelming. The tea has a surprisingly-thick mouthfeel. The taste of oolong is very subdued, much like the aroma had been, but I think the next steeping will open it more.”
Full review here: http://www.createwritedrink.com/2015/03/tea-review-tuesday-review-of-tea-aves_17.html

Magical mid-morning cuppa. Decent pu’erh, and the ginger is a nice touch. Not award-winning.

Drinking the bagged version, which is mediocre. It was okay, but I am glad I did not bring more to drink on this trip.

Not really caring about quality, I simply needed a cup of this to wake up this morning. Not only did it do the trick, but the double bergamot is delicious!

Drinking the last of this sample. That was a wonderful cuppa. I recommend it, even if it is no longer available.
Thanks for sharing, Terri HarpLady!

Finished off the last of my sample by oversteeping it. Result? Still excellent and not astringent. Definitely recommending this tea and adding it to my future purchase list.

Full review from this past Tuesday, here: http://www.createwritedrink.com/2015/02/tea-review-tuesday-review-of-andrews.html

Oversteeped the first cup of this. Still delicious. I love pulling the strainer from the steeped tea and just breathing the aroma coming off the leaves.
The second and third cups were also delicious.