91

This tea was a wonderful disappointment. Generally, I am not a big fan of teas with flowers/herbs added (ginseng, jasmine etc.)- the additions usually overpower whatever tea they are grafted on and the tea used for the base are frequently not the best quality. But I make exceptions for roses because, well, I love roses. And I wanted to reorder another Teavivre’s rose tea where the smell and taste of roses was bordering on obscene (and which pleased me greatly!) Instead I ordered these dragon balls because they were on sale – and also because I thought it was the same tea mix, just rolled up into balls.

When I opened the balls I was shocked since there was no overpowering rose aroma out of the package and each ball contained just a couple of rose flowers. Then I was shocked again by how balanced the tea these balls produce. The dianhong used for the base is pretty good and it hits you with a typical Yunnan sweet bitterness, which immediately softened and smoothed out by the rose petal smoothness. It results in an incredibly well-balanced, smooth drink. Its like dianhongs and roses were made for each other to represent a study in bringing together Yin and Yang.

Among less impressive observations: this delicate balance does not last for multiple steeps, the aroma is fairly generic for Yunnan teas and the taste is not especially complex. Anyway, it is a memorable and generally enjoyable tea.

Kawaii433

“This tea was a wonderful disappointment.” Omgosh… Exactly. I just recently tried and reviewed it.

ashmanra

Sounds awesome! What was the tea that was “bordering on obscene”? I love rose in tea, also!

Bluegreen

ashmanra – Alas, you had already tried this tea (Rose Dian Hong Black Tea by Teavivre) and found it to be good but not as good as Rose Scented Black by Harney and Sons. Such is the fate of a tea drinker with 2000+ tasting notes: rarely will she find anything truly new.

Appalachian Tea

I got these as well and it really is mind blowing how beautiful that first cup is!

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Comments

Kawaii433

“This tea was a wonderful disappointment.” Omgosh… Exactly. I just recently tried and reviewed it.

ashmanra

Sounds awesome! What was the tea that was “bordering on obscene”? I love rose in tea, also!

Bluegreen

ashmanra – Alas, you had already tried this tea (Rose Dian Hong Black Tea by Teavivre) and found it to be good but not as good as Rose Scented Black by Harney and Sons. Such is the fate of a tea drinker with 2000+ tasting notes: rarely will she find anything truly new.

Appalachian Tea

I got these as well and it really is mind blowing how beautiful that first cup is!

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Bio

I like to drink teas to recreate a specific mood, or just to take a break at work. The world of tea is so endless, patiently waiting for exploration and rewarding you in many ways big and small.

I am looking forward to years of playing with tea leaves, gaiwans, cups, and YouTube videos.

My ratings:

90 or more – a very good/excellent tea, I can see myself ordering it again.

80-89 – it is a good tea, I enjoyed it but not enough to reorder.

70-79 – an OK, drinkable tea but there are certainly much better options even in the same class/type.

60-69 – this tea has such major flaws that you have to force yourself to finish what you ordered.

<60 – truly horrible teas that must be avoided at all costs.

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USA

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