48 Tasting Notes
This is a very nice blend of teas, perfect balance of the keemun. The fresh almost green taste of the darjeeling and the classic honeyness of the ceylon tea. This is a most try for all those that enjoy black tea!
Preparation
This is the first Yellow tea I have ever tried. To really appreciate this tea you have to realize how much work is put into this tea! Anyway it has a similar profile to a dragonwell but has a mellowness to the tea. Unlike Dragonwells, I can brew this over a minute and it won’t become bitter or grassy. Whenever I drink this tea it makes me imagine I have climbed up a step Chinese temple and given tea from the emperor to hydrate me. Anyways I enjoy this rare tea.
Preparation
I have tried a lot of white Peony tea and this one smokes them all. I was extremely impressed with this tea. The amount of white fur and fluffiness of the full leaves are incredible. I don’t know how this tea would be better. It was very fresh!
Flavors: Honey
Preparation
For a chinese black tea, I do prefer the Keemun. This tea is from Yunnan which gives it a distinct taste because of the soil, its like a south American coffee beans vs African coffee beans. I would say this tea is better in terms of quality and probably safer but its not the same taste as of a keemun.
Preparation
Mao Cha is what they call a young pu-erh. For some people it may not agree with the digestive system as it can be too strong (elimination, upset stomach). Really the key with this tea is to use a small amount of tea leaves (ancient tea trees are very rich) and wash the first two infusions for a few seconds. Also keep the water cool like under 190 degrees. If you do not do those two things it will become extremely bitter and astringent. This tea has a nice spicy smokeyness. If you can follow these steps it is a enjoyable tea very unique unlike most teas. I do not think most tea drinkers will ever drink this everyday but that does not mean its bad or worth trying.
This is a very smooth black tea from china (Chinese call it red tea and is considered in high demand). This tea has a pleasant aroma, I can’t really get distinct notes from it, however, this could be drunk by any tea drinker. It does have a very light smokeyness which is pleasant. I like to steep it in a teapot for 7 minutes and add a little sugar.
Update: after purchasing 10 different types of Keemun including higher grades, I found the light smokey ness to this tea excellent. This is my favorite Keemun, great job New Mexico tea company!
Preparation
This was a very pleasant every day cup of tea. It has a settle honey taste but is not bold which I prefer. This has less tannic acid which I also prefer, less bitterness. I steep 1 tsp with boiling water for 5 minutes, there is no bitterness and has a nice honey aroma like much of the Indian teas have. If you like Indian black teas I recommend this.
Flavors: Honey
Preparation
Very clean and refreshing green tea. If you are a fan of Dragonwell teas, you will really like this. It tastes sweet and has a nutty flavor like a chestnut. Another very good quality tea from Mandala.
Flavors: Chestnut
Preparation
For a Yerba Mate this is the best deal. Its pure leaf meaning less roots and more of the leaf (antioxidants). For a Yerba Mate this is a 9 out of 10, as for taste its not really that enjoyable. The only reasons I would recommend this tea is because of the health benefits and also drinking something healthier than coffee without worrying about harmful soils etc… This tends to be a bitter grassy taste.
Flavors: Grass