Jinggu "Golden Strand" Pure Bud Yunnan Black tea * Autumn 2013

I rarely do gongfu sessions first thing in the morning, but I think I need to change that, because my taste buds are probably at their best. (Although having allergies, I feel that my taste buds aren’t at full function, like I’m missing alot of nuances right now). With that in mind, I pulled out this tea.
This is a beautiful golden tea, with the leaves looking so robust that they remind me of insect legs. Not much dry aroma, but if you heat the leaves up in a warm little pot, they begin to give off an essence of honey & buttered toast.
5G + 4oz tiny teapot (rinse) X 15/30/45 sec = buttery caramel with a growing bass note, ultra smooth bee pollen, & the beginings of a tongue tingle! I love tasting the leaves as they open up.
1min: My favorite cup, so satisfying
2min: tingly almost metallic tongue, spreading to my throat & sinuses & I feel as if my sinuses are opening, as if my circulation has improved.
3min: Making my mouth water & my throat a little dry…kind of a strange combo.
4min: I rarely go this far with a gongfu sessions, but am enjoying the moment. The taste has remained pretty much the same throughout all steepings, & although it’s beginning to wane, there’s actually still plenty of flavor here.
5min: Just a light taste of honey & wood, almost like an elixer of life.
6min: This final cup is sweet, kind of like agave. I have a pretty good tea buzz going.
Time for some Taichi.

This came to me from Terri Harplady.

Well ain’t that a beauty. Long downy bright golden strands. Pure buds indeed.

The taste did surprise me a little. I was expecting a candy sweet cup, but it’s got a little more character than that.

First, it’s provides a very interesting texture. It feels thick and powdery in the mouth.

I’m a little perplexed by it. It’s brisk and bright, the way fresh green bell peppers are. It’s also a bit earthy and woodsy. I also get plums and flowers. It’s not overly malty and I get no cocoa in this at all.

I can’t say this is my favourite type of black, but I like that it surprised me and gave me a good morning cup.

Thank you Terri for helping me narrowing down my favourite Yunnan Sourcing teas. I don’t think I would order this one, but I’m so happy I got try it but also see it cause it’s so beautiful.

Another tea from Terri via our BBB Box. I really do love that we’re still managing to do this even after nearly a year :) its nice having friends to share in new tea experiences :) I like this one, though it falls into that generic category of teas that i will enjoy while i have them, but not feel the need to restock or make permanent in my cupboard. it’s a smooth brew, i love these leaves and the taste is really nice. just not knock your socks off :)