Had some this morning semi gong fu in my Gong Fu 2 Go tumbler. I only used half the vessel, so less than 8or 7 oz in size, but 4 oz in rinse and use for the 3.5 grams.
As a first steep after 35 sec, it was very fruity and sweet hitting its high mark early. Honey fructose, honeysuckle, citrus mouth coat, and then a lingering floral and apricot aftertaste bordering on juicy. I finished it quick. 45, 65, 75, 105, 135, and not much different in aroma or flavor. Later steeps were more honeysuckle and floral, hinting at gardenia, but still citrusy. I could see orange blossom being applied, but it was a hair more tart yet just as sweet.
I feel kinda boring since I did not get as much as I wanted this time around, possibly due to the lower leaf or other parts of the brewing method. I was highly satisfied with the flavor all the while missing something. It still stands out as one of the better Oriental Beauty’s I have in my stash.
Yet again, more to come in the future as I get to know this tea. I’m curious to see what easteaguy and others thought of this one. I liked it a lot more than the Vietnam one and the regular one in the lineup because I think this one is less drying and malty. I feel bad I keep on leaning towards the more expensive teas from What-Cha lately because there are some really great ones that are a lot more affordable. That doesn’t mean I won’t continue to recommend these, though I honestly recommend this one because I want to see what people will think. It’s too pricey for a tea newbie and suited more for intermediate drinkers. I’m not sure what an actual sommelier think of this one.
I’m still not sure what to rate this one. It’s in between eighties and 90s for me right now. I’ll probably change the rating in the future. Looking for commentary in the comments!
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Derk let me keep 5-6 g of this tea as a sample when we made our huge What-Cha order on Black Friday. Do you recommend longer steeps? I usually steep my Bai Hao at 195F for 30/20/30/30/45/60, etc.
I’m not sure yet on this one.I’ve had this tea three times in total, and found that the 30 sec increments worked for me, but I did using less grams. Either way, I wouldn’t rush this one. Alistair/What-Cha recommended 3-4 minutes, so I’m assuming yes. I’d be curious to see what Derk thought.
I tried it for the first time tonight after reading your notes. Used 3g in my 60mL gaiwan but didn’t time steeps (many and long). Oh, water off the boil! It’s GOOD. Really strong savory osmanthus note for me, along with honey of course (crystallized maybe), malt, apricot-orange. I think it has a low-toned profile but has balanced citrusy-fruity high tones. Lots of other stuff. Complex but not very long-lived aftertaste. Last steeps were very lemongrassy – high in citral I’m guessing – and somewhat tannic.
It feels like a quality tea in the mouth, too. Smooth and swallows very nicely.
Thank you derk!
Derk let me keep 5-6 g of this tea as a sample when we made our huge What-Cha order on Black Friday. Do you recommend longer steeps? I usually steep my Bai Hao at 195F for 30/20/30/30/45/60, etc.
I’m not sure yet on this one.I’ve had this tea three times in total, and found that the 30 sec increments worked for me, but I did using less grams. Either way, I wouldn’t rush this one. Alistair/What-Cha recommended 3-4 minutes, so I’m assuming yes. I’d be curious to see what Derk thought.
I tried it for the first time tonight after reading your notes. Used 3g in my 60mL gaiwan but didn’t time steeps (many and long). Oh, water off the boil! It’s GOOD. Really strong savory osmanthus note for me, along with honey of course (crystallized maybe), malt, apricot-orange. I think it has a low-toned profile but has balanced citrusy-fruity high tones. Lots of other stuff. Complex but not very long-lived aftertaste. Last steeps were very lemongrassy – high in citral I’m guessing – and somewhat tannic.
It feels like a quality tea in the mouth, too. Smooth and swallows very nicely.
Thank you derk!