I really like this shou, but I wish it would last a bit longer. It has mild but very noticeable bitterness. The qi is mild and pleasant, somewhat of a dreamy kind.
Wet leaf aroma reminds me of sesame seeds, caramel, and soy sauce. The taste is bitter, spicy, and savoury at first, with a pronounced vanilla flavour and a biting, almost acidic aftertaste with a hint of banana. It is strong and induces a throat clenching sensation.
Even when brewed strong, the bitterness is not at all overpowering. There are instead enhanced bass and earthy notes combined with a nice woody sweetness.
The mouthfeel has a strong and lasting, almost aggressive, presence in the mouth. The tea is not particularly thick, but I find it quite coating in the mouth.
Flavors: Banana, Bitter, Caramel, Earth, Pleasantly Sour, Sesame, Soy Sauce, Spicy, Vanilla, Wood
