I’ve been experimenting with many of Upton’s Oolongs of late. This was another sample that I tried; just enough for a few cups.
The dry leaf was rather unremarkable, but once the water hit it, the aroma was amazing. I couldn’t put my finger on it for a while, but after several sips and repeated sniffs, I finally identified it: green apple! I had a hard time because I never thought tea could smell like this-
The taste was pleasant enough and did have some nice nutty flavors but everything was overwhelmed by that granny smith apple smell. Its highly unusual. Subsequent steepings reduced both the flavor and the aroma substantially but when the water hits the leaf- watch out!
I don’t think I’ll buy this again, but it was absolutely worth the sample price.