Verdant Tea

Very..very.. nice. I will say that I am not a fan of pu-erh. I have only liked 2 of the 9 that I have tried and this is one of them. Nice and creamy corn flavor. It relaxed me and made me feel warm and cozy inside.
I decided before I brewed it to put the pod in a strainer and run cold water over it to filter out the debris. I then used my little Samovar Wabi Sai pot to brew it in for 5 minutes.

I opened my Steepster Select box at work and this was the first one that I opened to smell. When I saw that it was pu-erh I was a little put off untiI I smelled it. Wow..corn, creamy corn. I gave the tea to others that I worked with that are not tea lovers and they were impressed by the smell of the tea. Then they asked how they could join Steepster Select.

I would buy some more if I could….but it is SOLD OUT. Bummer….

WOW! Revisiting this tea right now. The Taiwanese roasted oolong I tried recently piqued my interest in giving this one another go. My first attempt with this was months ago in a very young yixing teapot, which was still gobbling up flavor at the time. I knew I wasn’t really getting what this tea had to offer in that session, so I withheld judgement. I’ve just brewed this for about ten infusions in my gaiwan, and it’s very impressive. I must say I love it! No time to articulate further at the moment, but I’ll make a point of writing a more insightful tasting note in the future.

First steeping: What the others said about smelling like corn is right. It smells like freshly shucked sweet corn or buttered popcorn. Plus a pleasant earthy tone.

The tea is indeed very, very light. Lighter than I tend to like, really. The flavor is less corn and more tastes the way the shucks smell. That plus a light pu-erh earthiness (no fishy or musty taste to this, just earthy). So far it’s indeed a good tea, but not so much for me, personally.

This has a Very Long finish and is very corn-y. It fills up the nose and back of throat strongly.

Second steeping: This brew is Very dark. Surprisingly so, compared to other pu-erhs I’ve had. Still strong corn and Very strong finish.

I recommend it to others, but not for me.

This is my other free sample of Verdant Teas’ new Alchemy Label Blended teas. Pu-ers have always kind of intimidated me based on others’ descriptions, but I’ve only had one so far and that was a flavored one that I very much enjoyed. I chose this one as a sample because the floral pu-er sounded interesting. The leaf is dark with lots of whole chrysanthemum buds and pieces of orange and lemon rind. The aroma of the dry leaf kind of surprised me; I’m not sure what I was expecting, but the blend really reminds me of the scent of tea tree oil. Which I like, but was unexpected. I’m not sure I really can think of what a chrysanthemum flower smells like, so perhaps that’s adding to the scent.

I brewed the tea based on the western style brewing instructions for the base pu-er on Verdant Teas’ website, which included two rinses. The resulting cup is very dark, the color of dark chocolate. The aroma of the steeped cup is very different from the dry leaf, which is interesting because during the rinses I was still smelling the tea tree oil aroma from the leaf, but now it seems to have disappeared. But I can still smell it on the wet leaf, which really makes me think its the chrysanthemum flowers that are now sitting, wet, in the steeping basket. Anyway, the aroma of the liquor is woody and earthy and a little piney. It very much reminds me of hiking in the pine barrens (a type of forest environment made up pine trees with little undergrowth) out here on Long Island. When I inhale deeply I am realizing that the tea tree (chrysanthemum?) aroma isn’t gone, it is what’s giving it that piney aroma. It comes out more as the tea cools.

The flavor is light and very reminiscent of the aroma. The first note is really the pine-tree-wood flavor, which mellows into an earthy, slightly minerally flavor in the main body of the sip. Every once in a while I get the faintest hint of sweetness in the aftertaste. It’s a really interesting tea… not one I would drink all the time, but definitely a cup I enjoy. I’m kind of at a loss as to how to rate this one; on one hand, I think it’s probably a very good example of it’s kind and someone really into pu-ers would probably rate it very highly; on the other hand, I think I am not really that kind of person. Then again I haven’t had hardly any pu-ers, so who knows. Anyway, I think I’ll take the average and stick it in the high 80s. I have been very impressed with the new Alchemy line, and will likely try some other blends on my next order!

I was really excited to find the Steepster Select package in my mailbox today. I hadn’t expected it until tomorrow.

As I am not particularly as fond of Pu-erh as I am other tea types, I am surprised that I chose to try this first. I think it may have something to do with the fact that it’s from Verdant, and they haven’t disappointed me yet.

This tea is full of surprises! Yes, it tastes like corn! It smells like corn too. It is a very light textured Pu-erh – it feels very light and smooth over the palate. Silky. Hints of spice in the background. Earthy, yes, but not overwhelmingly so. One of the lighter earthy tastes (and aromas) that I’ve noticed from a Shu.

I’m liking this.

Today I brewed this basket western style. I realized the Yixing was not the appropriate vessel. The color is greener even with a shorter brew time. I was generous with the leaves. The aroma heaven and the flavor has to on par with some of the worlds greatest teas. I am drinking this side by side with Uptons Superfine Dragonwell. I thank David for sending this as a sample with my order. I only wish I did’nt buy four ounces of the Upton first. Not to take anything away from the Upton, it’s very good. The Verdant is on another level….

The aroma coming out of the Yixing was very inviting. I am a lover of Dragon Well. This is a beautiful version of that style. I will have to do another side by side tasting. I have the Upton Superfine as the challenger. The tea is very fresh. I am truly loving what Verdant has to offer and I would recommend them without hesitation….

After reading Geoffreys response to Amy about the amount of tea one should use in a Gaiwan I figured I would take his advice. So I used more leaf than I normally do and the result was intoxicating. So intoxicating that I only got through 2 steepings. I fell asleep quickly. The flavor was so much more pronounced. So rich and full. I always appreciate when someone gives me advice or someone else so we can all further our experiences with our beloved tea….

The dry leaf resting patiently in my Gaiwan is now doused with water. I will await with anticipation for what I am about to indulge in. I am cloaked in a Big Red Robe this evening. The wonderful tea of Wuyi. The first cup is soft and fruity with the distinctive Wuyi flavor. The second cup is alive. It’s bursting with flavors. Judging by the leaves it will get even better. Does anyone else like to smell the empty cup? I have noticed some incredible nuances from doing this. The vapors linger in the cup leave an indelible mark. Cup #3 has that copper electric sensation that is beyond unique. The tea is still fruity and luscious. I can see how this tea cured whatever ailment the emperors wife had. Cup #4 seems to have the mineral flavor. The mountains. The metal has faded to rock. It also seems to be the most eye opening of the four. I am enjoying this while watching the premier on Chinese TV about " The Flowers of War ". I love how tea enhances everything….

I am brewing this in the Gaiwan today. I am also drinking it out of this vessel. I only put a little over a tsp in. A somewhat of a long steep. Delicious as ever. I love this tea. I had to give it a slight stir so the flavors would mix. Oh, the warm feeling….

Please see my side by side tasting with the Harney Da Hong Pao…. I must add in the second steeping the Harney has lost that lovely peachy aroma. The Verdant may have more staying power for steepings. I believe I am tasting minerals, rock, mountains. I feel the Verdant wins the second steeping on complexity alone….

I’m enjoying this beautiful tea in my Gaiwan for the first time tonight. I steeped it for 2 minutes and the result is a subtle yet very complex green tea. The aroma is the tell-tale sign of an incredible tea. The aroma in the empty cup is utterly amazing. I steeped cup #2 for 3 minutes and it’s even more complex and far from subtle. The citrus notes are powerful. I am getting a strong flavor of grapefruit. Am I getting Kiwi?? I have decided after seeing cup #3 that this tea has staying power. I am now getting a sweet lemon-lime flavor. Cup #4 is showing no signs of weakening. This is a wonderful green….

I cold brewed this with generous leaf for over 18 hours. The result is a liquid that is alive with flavor. I cannot even pinpoint the flavors. Truly unique. One aroma and taste I was getting early on in the brewing process with grapefruit. An almost Fresca-like taste. Does Fresca still exist in the soda world? It’s truly a top flight, A1, must have….

I truly believe I have found a great tea seller with Verdant! This Sun Dried Jing Shan Green is a gorgeous tea. Especially after drinking the Hand Picked Oolong! The aroma is intoxicating and so is the flavor! I brewed this basket style with a generous amount of leaves. I am higher than 10 Himalayans! My sincere thanks to David for honoring my request for a sample of Big Red Robe { a generous amount too } and the Dragonwell. You have a loyal customer….

I am saying goodbye to this beloved tea today. I put the remainder of the bag in the Mason Jar for a final cold-brew. The color. That greenish yellow hue I will see no more. That flavor that lingered long after consumption will be but a memory. The aroma that came to me as a spring day. Is gone.

This tea was with me on many a journey. Most notably my fathers funeral. I thought what will I drink to maintain my composure? This was the answer. Just like springtime life goes on.

I am back to work. I have been training and going through orientation at Revel {I am not authorized to say this} LOL. They are allowing us to have a beverage with us in a cup with a lid to take to the meetings and I have been taking this along. It’s comforting to know I am employed. It’s also comforting to be able to have this wonderful Oolong with me during my new journey.

I brewed this single cup basket style with 1 tsp. The water was a rolling boil. The 1st cup was very good when the tea cooled a bit. The usual sweet flowery nectar that we have come to love. This tea has a very calming yet not tiring energy. Something so nice and relaxing is better suited for later in the day. As always the 2nd cup seems to open up and awaken. My supply of this is running low. I will miss it when it’s gone. We will see what this spring brings….

When I originally bought this tea I got 4 ounces. I froze 2 ounces to keep it fresh. I used up the first 2 ounces so it was time to remove the other 2 from the freezer. I left the bag outside to slowly adjust the tea to room temperature. But not before I wanted to cold brew the frozen tea leaves. After 24 hours in the fridge, the result is nothing short of sublime. It tastes so fresh and delicious. You know the flavor profile by now, it seems amplified. Nirvana….

I cold brewed this is the result is a sensory delight. It is like revisting a spring day on a cold and dreary January day. The color is this light green hue and the aroma is heavenly. The flavor is superb. This is not exactly a morning tea. It is a calming tea. A lovely liquor beyond description. Words cannot do it justice. This was the end of one bag of the spring picking. I have had the other bag in the freezer. Any suggestions for removing it from the freezer? I do not want to do anything to harm the precious leaves.

I’m enjoying this precious nectar after a salad of bitter gourd tossed with long green hots with a vinegar soy dressing. After last nights Orchid Oolong I had to revisit this spring beauty. This is a nice way to digest the spicy hot bitter salad. It’s a soft loving caress in comparison. The Chinese believe in having something bitter, sour, salty, pungent, sweet and I know I’m missing something. There should be a heaven taste. That’s what this is….

The Mason jar brewing was superb. I know the purists may laugh but I truly believe no other form of tea preparation can allow you to fully appreciate the flavor of oolongs and greens. My hot water brewing in the Yixing has yielded a beautiful nectar as well. A lovely aroma of flowers and heaven if there is such a scent. I also note on the feelings a tea gives to ones moods, I felt an inner calm and peace as if the Iron Goddess of Mercy had blessed me. A truly sublime tea….

I just got home to find my delivery from Verdant. They are fast! It’s too late at night to taste so I had to put a teaspoon in the Mason jar to watch the leaves unfurl in the refridgerator. In the afternoon I will be in for a treat.

Revisiting this tea this afternoon. This is one of the very best green teas that I’ve had. It is sweet and delicate and has a complexity all its own.

I managed six infusions from these leaves (combining the liquor of 2 infusions in one cup), with each cup tasting quite different from the previous one. The first cup was quite sweet, soft and crisp. It has a remarkably clean taste, with hints of citrus that become more apparent in the aftertaste. The second cup was still sweet, but the sweetness had mellowed somewhat and there was a new, savory tone that was emerging. The third and final cup offered a very pleasant savory tone. It was still sweet, but less so than in the first four infusions.

A very, very pleasant green tea. This is one that I will need to order very soon.

Amazing! The teas from Verdant Tea are absolutely amazing! Every single tea I’ve tried has been so good.

This has a very bright, crisp flavor. The vegetative flavor here is light and not what I would consider “grassy” it is more of a steamed vegetable taste. It has a pleasant sweetness that lingers.

I will be writing more about this later… for now, I just want to sit back and enjoy!