90

I’m winding down with a gongfu session for the evening. I’m currently craving a 1st Flush Darjeeling, but since I don’t have any this does well in a pinch!

Tonight I’m getting the usual smooth cup with orange/grapefruit tang, but also some juicy pear and cucumber notes I didn’t notice before. It’s slightly more floral than I remember it being. It’s also almost.. smoky? But not quite. Hop-like notes linger on the tongue. The citrusy profile makes it a deceivingly good palate-cleanser!

Steep Count: 4 (plus 1 1/2 of the western steeped mug my mother didn’t finish. Not wasting this tea).

Liquid Colour: soft pastel yellow (gongfu) to vibrant sunshine yellow (western)

(2016 Harvest)

Flavors: Citrus Zest, Cucumber, Grapefruit, Hops, Muscatel, Orange, Orange Blossom, Pear

Preparation
175 °F / 79 °C 3 tsp 4 OZ / 118 ML

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Bio

I started my Steepster loose leaf adventure back in 2012. I can’t say I’m completely new anymore, but I still view oolong as a magical, extraterrestrial creature that unfurls in water.

My favourites are teas like Milk Oolong, Silver Needle,and Japanese Sencha/Gyokuro, or fruity and floral flavoured ones. However, I generally enjoy ALL the teas, including a good old cup of Earl Grey or Breakfast blend.

FAVOURITE INGREDIENTS/NOTES:

DESSERT FLAVOURS
Vanilla, Maple, Caramel, Butterscotch, Cream, Toffee, Nougat, Marzipan, Butter

FRUIT & BERRIES
Citrus Fruits, Passionfruit, Banana, Pineapple, Melons, Blackberry, Raspberry, Currants, Elderberry, Persimmon, Rhubarb..

SPICES
Ginger, Turmeric, Clove-forward chai, Cardamom

AROMATIC & HERBACEOUS NOTES
Sandalwood, Frankincense, Juniper, Eucalyptus, Mints

FLORALS
Lavender, Jasmine, Rose, Lilac, Violet, etc.

VEGGIE/GRAIN NOTES
Spinach, Grass, Hay, Cucumber, Rice, Sweet Potato

Less Preferred Flavours/Ingredients:
Stevia, Apple, Cocoa Nib, Almond, Licorice, Cinnamon-forward blends, Chinese Sencha

Subjective Rating System:
I don’t give a lot of low ratings out, since a) I tend to grab tea I know will appeal to me, and b) I don’t have a lot of strong dislikes.

90-100: Favourites. The Desert Island Teas.
80-89: Loved teas. Possibly staple-worthy.
70-79: Good teas, but I’m less likely to repurchase. Minor quibbles.
60-69: Ok teas. Likely a few preference and/or quality issues.
50-59: Cup of meh. Will do in a pinch.
11-49: Varying levels of undrinkable tea.
1-10: Nightmare tea from the chaos realms. This tea is the embodiment of the primordial swamp, an unholy abomination. It’s very gross and I’m almost positive it doesn’t exist.

Location

BC, Canada

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