I really really like this. Partially because the name means Elephant Road (in addition to ducks, I’m pretty crazy about elephants. As is evident by my elephant mugs, and elephant pillow buddy thing among other things) and partially because at the 3:30 steep this tastes a lot like Mi Xian Black + malt which is fantastic!
I think this is the one where Stacy personally recommended throwing an extra minute on the steep time, so I’ll try that for the next cup with fresh leaves. My first cup I went with the website recommendation. I wanted to try both and compare, and pick which way I like better. The three and a half minute steep is lovely. It’s not extremely strong, but it’s still well flavored and fairly robust. I mainly pick up on the apricot notes than anything else, and it has a malty finish.
The leaves are quite different than what I expected. I guess after two different Premium Taiwanese Assams, Mi Xian Black, and Laoshan Black from Verdant, I tend to expect to see twisty bramble like tea leaves now, but these ones are greeny gold and curly. :) Thanks to the strong apricot notes, this is really nice and sweet. Yum! :)
I’m really in love with this already, and will definitely be picking more up on my next order.
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I’d love to know which way you prefer the brew if you do attempt a longer brew. :)
For sure! :) I’ll write another tasting note for it when I do.
Great! :)
Okay, I’m lazy for just putting this in a comment instead, I admit it. I tried the longer steep, and it was interesting, as it was almost like a different tea! With the three and a half minute steep, I didn’t really notice anything peppery, but with the longer steep it made it really pop!
Both ways are quite good, but I think I like how apricoty the shorter steep is, so I think I’ll brew it that way for the next cups. :)
I’d love to know which way you prefer the brew if you do attempt a longer brew. :)
For sure! :) I’ll write another tasting note for it when I do.
Great! :)
Okay, I’m lazy for just putting this in a comment instead, I admit it. I tried the longer steep, and it was interesting, as it was almost like a different tea! With the three and a half minute steep, I didn’t really notice anything peppery, but with the longer steep it made it really pop!
Both ways are quite good, but I think I like how apricoty the shorter steep is, so I think I’ll brew it that way for the next cups. :)