I have been searching for a pu’er to take the place of my coffee in the morning. I have myself down to a couple of sips but I haven’t quite kicked the habit yet. I think this would come pretty close. It has everything I love about coffee without the jittery over-caffeinated feeling afterwards. So when Garret included this as a sample, I was joyful.
1st Steep-30 seconds
Very smoky and so very good. I am a Lapsang fan so the smokier the better. This would be probably a bit easier to take for people that don’t like smoky teas because the smoke is not as in your face as with a Lapsang
2nd Steep-45 seconds
Still smoky with an almost leathery note. I can see this replacing coffee for me…if I had more of them. Goals I have them.
3rd Steep-1 minute
I love how this tea maintains its smoky flavor while gaining complexity. It’s sweet now and smells so good. Kind of reminds me of pipe smoke. I love that smell and it brings back such pleasant memories.
4th Steep-1.30 minutes
The smoke is still there but not as prevalent. Dark chocolate notes are coming through. Probably my favorite steep so far.
5th Steep-2 minutes
Oh Lordy, smells like honey. Not sweet clover honey but something darker. Like leatherwood honey—my favorite. It tastes like it too.
6th Steep-2.30 minutes
It’s lost most of its smoke but now the leatherwood honey has transformed into a clover honey smell and taste. Kind of floral as well. I don’t think I will get much more from this tea—although I am tempted to try—but it ends on a lovely note.
I am borderline in love with this tea. It will be a part of my next Mandala order. Thanks to Garret for the sample.
Preparation
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Sounds really good!
It was! I’m kicking myself for not buying an ounce (or 4) with my last order.
I also tried it during the weekend and I, too, loved it. The taste is truly rich and complex. I didn’t sense the same smokiness as you did though.
I bought their variety pack. Can’t wait to try the other tuachas.
The smoke I got was kind of like walking into a room after someone was smoking a cigar. More a sweet type of smoke that anything.
I was tempted to buy the sampler but I was pretty much tempted by everything on Mandala’s site. I’m interested in trying those Langhe Ripe Mini-Tuos.
Sounds really good!
It was! I’m kicking myself for not buying an ounce (or 4) with my last order.
I also tried it during the weekend and I, too, loved it. The taste is truly rich and complex. I didn’t sense the same smokiness as you did though.
I bought their variety pack. Can’t wait to try the other tuachas.
The smoke I got was kind of like walking into a room after someone was smoking a cigar. More a sweet type of smoke that anything.
I was tempted to buy the sampler but I was pretty much tempted by everything on Mandala’s site. I’m interested in trying those Langhe Ripe Mini-Tuos.