95

So I’m a little late to the party on this review.

I had this earlier today with the TEAplets. But I was unable to focus on writing my review. Now is a better time.

I was lucky enough to receive the gift of tea from Sarsonator: this beautiful Mandala cake. She made this very special for myself and MzPriss (who was also given the same cake) as it wasn’t even available yet on Mandala’s website. That’s what I call a REAL surprise!

Now how thoughtful and generous was that? Thank you so much Sarsy, I am so grateful!

Right from the get go, I had a feeling it would be a good one. The cake looks amazing, as if every single leaf was placed strategically to create a little work of art.

It broke very easily, no need to fight it, loosely compressed.

I used 8g for a 5oz yixing clay pot.

First, I love the golden liquor it produces. It’s thick and almost oily as I pour the first steep in the pitcher.

The leaves are barely awake, and already they render a taste that completely seduces me. We all agree: it’s remarkable.

Stone fruits, mostly soft and ripe apricot. Super sweet and silky, heavy mouthfeel of honey.

In later steeps, that sweetness turns into maple water. I also get juicy apple notes. It’s not smokey at all, and that astringency normally present in young sheng is nowhere to be found.

Around steep seven, I get a certain acidity, but i think I just let it steep too long. It’s very potent.

I had dinner, and went back to it. It kept giving and giving.

Thank you so much again Sarsy, and thanks to Garret who helped make this surprise happened, you are such a classy guy!

As usual, for those who love to watch:

http://instagram.com/p/sieu8HQhy4/

http://instagram.com/p/sid0Ccwhxw/

http://instagram.com/p/sjB3-oQh6e/

MzPriss

This was so good and I loved being able to share it with my TFFs!

boychik

apricots are my fav. glad you enjoyed it

Stephanie

wishlisted

Garret

Yay! Here’s to hoping that I am able to get some more of this! Working on that today. It is selling fast and I want some, too! Great pics!

TheTeaFairy

MzPriss : likewise :-)

Boychik and Stephanie: it is very likely that you will love this one

Garret: thank you! And so glad I have a whole cake of this!!

SarsyPie

I just got two more cakes of this one in the mail today. Thanks, G!

I couldn’t risk it selling out. I’m so glad you love it, TTF! It makes me happy when you are happy!!! <3

Garret

:) This could be a great supplier to keep working with. Will soon be getting some samples of some of their other new offerings. If the quality keeps up with what I’ve tasted of their teas so far, I will be a happy tea seller.

SarsyPie

Totally, G-Mac. And we will all be happy tea drinkers! Keep us posted on the other offerings, please. :)

mrmopar

Lucky rascals….

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Comments

MzPriss

This was so good and I loved being able to share it with my TFFs!

boychik

apricots are my fav. glad you enjoyed it

Stephanie

wishlisted

Garret

Yay! Here’s to hoping that I am able to get some more of this! Working on that today. It is selling fast and I want some, too! Great pics!

TheTeaFairy

MzPriss : likewise :-)

Boychik and Stephanie: it is very likely that you will love this one

Garret: thank you! And so glad I have a whole cake of this!!

SarsyPie

I just got two more cakes of this one in the mail today. Thanks, G!

I couldn’t risk it selling out. I’m so glad you love it, TTF! It makes me happy when you are happy!!! <3

Garret

:) This could be a great supplier to keep working with. Will soon be getting some samples of some of their other new offerings. If the quality keeps up with what I’ve tasted of their teas so far, I will be a happy tea seller.

SarsyPie

Totally, G-Mac. And we will all be happy tea drinkers! Keep us posted on the other offerings, please. :)

mrmopar

Lucky rascals….

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Profile

Bio

I am French Canadian, so please forgive me if my English is not always perfect :-/

My relationship with tea in a nutshell:

I’m married to straight Black. I have torrid love affairs with Oolong and Puerh. I party with Green and White occasionally. Flavored are not my BFF, I usually stay away from them.

Love Steepster, a place for tea lovers, where you learn and share with others.

About me:

I am a free spirit, I let people be who they are and expect the same in return.

Books! I love classic literature, but also modern and pretty much anything that captures my attention.

Music is also something I can’t live without… From Bach to Nirvana, my ears know no boundaries…

Animal and nature lover, amateur photographer.

I’ve been drinking tea for as long as I can remember.

Drinking tea is a sensorial experience. The name in itself “Camellia Sinensis” lingers the promess of an adventure for the senses…

Not a big «swapper», but will occasionally. Not because I don’t want to share but because I’m trying not to hoard so much.

Also, I have narrowed down the teas I really like over the years, and I don’t feel the need to try and buy everything the way I used to. (Maybe I have become a tea snob? Sigh…)

My ratings: because I pretty much drink only teas that I judge exceptional, my ratings are usually high. Don’t be shocked to see lots of 90’s and a few 100’s. That’s because I’ve had my share of crapy teas and I’m done with that ;-)

You can find me on Instagram here, I post about my tea sessions mostly, but also about the beautiful nature that surrounds me, and my fury companions :-)

http://instagram.com/theteafairy/

Location

The Laurentians, Canada

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