391 Tasting Notes
I’m not sure I concur with LP’s “burly” assessment, but I concede it could be my present mind/body/surround-state. I will save the rest for further-future visits. For now, it is a bit smoky and I do enjoy what I’m getting from it. I wouldn’t necessarily call it bitter or sweet, but there is a lot to find here and I can at least generically say it’s good. I do wish it had a bit more longevity, but eh.
A less-forgiving sticky rice shu than some. Started with a light umami/fishy quality off the long rinse, which — combined with the sticky rice notes — I actually kind of enjoyed. Reminded me a little of inari. The tuo broke down really fast into crumbs, though, and the next couple flash steeps were papery-bitter. By that time, the sweet sticky rice fragrance had substantially faded. This tea outruns itself in the gong fu setting; I’ll try it western next time.
Flavors: Bitter, Fishy, Paper, Sticky Rice, Umami