Sooo…Shengs are part of my tea no man’s land, having tried just a couple I have very few references when it comes to write a review… I always envy those of you who seem so taken by it (Charles, if you read this, you know I’m thinking of you!)
Following up on my resolution of drinking special teas at non special times, I reached for my special box tonight and fetched this one out.
I’m using 7g and a gaiwan.
Dry, it smells so strongly of spices and raisins, one would think it’s a flavoured blend!
I’m thinking, this will render a similar taste, but not at all! I wont describe each steep as I rarely do, but I’m on the 4th right now and I’m just in awe…
I can already tell this is not a tea that will appeal to everyone though. It has lots of bite and astringency. Loving these characteristics, it’s tailor made for my likings.
I visited an olive oil shop a few months ago in Montréal. They make you sample the oils the way you would for wine at a winery. You get to experience all the subtleties this fruit of the gods has to offer.
This Sheng reminds me of a peppery olive oil I bought.
First, the bite tickles your tongue and your mouth is filled with a nice fresh citrusy and woodsy feeling. Then emerges a round coating sensation that balances everything out.
Now, I know this is a young Sheng, and I have yet to experiment a lot more in order to make up my mind and see if Sheng is a new found passion, but I have this cute yixing pot I’ve been saving for I don’t know what. I have a feeling it will be dedicated to Sheng in a very near future…
Sorry for those seeking a more specific tasting note, but as this happens very often when I come across something new that blows my mind, I can’t give much more as a taste description. This is what I classify as a «feel tea», it gives me clarity and makes me see colours…
As I’m on a leave of absence from work for at least a month, I might start painting again. Haven’t done that in years, and I realize my creativity has been put to rest for way too long…
Thank you Verdant for that.
People who liked this
Comments
I vote yes for painting! Let that Chaqi flow through your brush onto the canvas!
There’s a shop a few minutes from my house that sells oils, vinegars, etc called Vom Fass. They’ve got maybe a dozen or so olive oils, ranging from buttery to peppery, & it’s the same way. You can stand there sampling things all afternoon, & they have the best balsamic vinegar I’ve every tried, the real deal. It’s sweet & thick & amazing!
Hahaha! I have a feeling the ChaQi will create a rainbow splatter on that canvas :-)
That’s exactly how my shop made me feel, the name is Olive & Olives and they carry the balsamic too! They have walls full of different bottles and they sell online, but going there is so much fun, I don’t mind the 45min drive!
Welcome to the world of Sheng. A very mystical brew if I might say so myself….
Oh, I’d say you may say so yourself :-) However, I have to remember not to have it so late at night, it just kept giving and now I feel so energized, I can’t sleep!
A very mystical brew, indeed! :)
You’re on the right path! Love the comparison to olive oil tasting. We have a shop here in town where I can sample oil, vinegar and wine taste all in the same shop(just need cheese and a baguette).
I recently unpacked my poor eisle (I can’t remember how to spell it right) so you and I will be drinking tea and painting. I decided for me, to begin with painting how tea made me feel instead of trying to make anyone else’s idea of a proper picture. It was liberating to paint and draw feelings.
And yes, proceed with caution. They will keep you awake…
@Terri: No doubt, and mystical is good for me right now :-)
@Bonnie, I’m actually looking for mine today…somewhere in the basement or garage. plus I don’t even know if the paint tubes are still good! But I also have pastels somewhere. I like the idea of a tea-inspired painting too, that’s how the idea came to mind after all. We can compare our «work» later :-) But my interpretation will end up being a tree I think, I used to paint trees all the time and I miss that…
@Charles: Thank you, I will remember that, for sure! I got a few more infusions out of it this morning, still had something to give it seems…
I vote yes for painting! Let that Chaqi flow through your brush onto the canvas!
There’s a shop a few minutes from my house that sells oils, vinegars, etc called Vom Fass. They’ve got maybe a dozen or so olive oils, ranging from buttery to peppery, & it’s the same way. You can stand there sampling things all afternoon, & they have the best balsamic vinegar I’ve every tried, the real deal. It’s sweet & thick & amazing!
Hahaha! I have a feeling the ChaQi will create a rainbow splatter on that canvas :-)
That’s exactly how my shop made me feel, the name is Olive & Olives and they carry the balsamic too! They have walls full of different bottles and they sell online, but going there is so much fun, I don’t mind the 45min drive!
Welcome to the world of Sheng. A very mystical brew if I might say so myself….
Oh, I’d say you may say so yourself :-) However, I have to remember not to have it so late at night, it just kept giving and now I feel so energized, I can’t sleep!
A very mystical brew, indeed! :)
You’re on the right path! Love the comparison to olive oil tasting. We have a shop here in town where I can sample oil, vinegar and wine taste all in the same shop(just need cheese and a baguette).
I recently unpacked my poor eisle (I can’t remember how to spell it right) so you and I will be drinking tea and painting. I decided for me, to begin with painting how tea made me feel instead of trying to make anyone else’s idea of a proper picture. It was liberating to paint and draw feelings.
And yes, proceed with caution. They will keep you awake…
@Terri: No doubt, and mystical is good for me right now :-)
@Bonnie, I’m actually looking for mine today…somewhere in the basement or garage. plus I don’t even know if the paint tubes are still good! But I also have pastels somewhere. I like the idea of a tea-inspired painting too, that’s how the idea came to mind after all. We can compare our «work» later :-) But my interpretation will end up being a tree I think, I used to paint trees all the time and I miss that…
@Charles: Thank you, I will remember that, for sure! I got a few more infusions out of it this morning, still had something to give it seems…