This sample was provided for free in exchange for review. You can find this tea here: http://www.teasenz.com/da-hong-pao-oolong-tea#.U_ZTaPldXX8
I’m using the gong fu parameters suggested by boychik for this one. The dry leaves are large and loosely twisted. They look so brittle and fragile! Very dark in color, almost black. Dry scent is autumn leaves but there’s also a honey sweetness and dried fruits. I did a 10s rinse and then 10/10/15/15s steeps. The water was 200 degrees.
The brewed aroma was pretty similar across all steeps – mostly autumn leaves and roastiness with a touch of honey and sometimes fruit. I found that the flavor also didn’t seem to change much, except for one steep which was unexpectedly heavy on the earth and mineral tastes. The overall flavor was fairly roasty with that familiar dry leaf taste along with some sweet and somewhat floral honey notes. I also got some elements that reminded me of white tea – namely grain and hay flavors. There was some dried fruit that poked its head in once in a while, and a nice baked bread and creamy nut (cashew?) aftertaste.
Overall, this seems to be of good quality compared to other similar teas I’ve tried, but I am by no means an expert. I did enjoy the experience, but I think this genre of teas may not be for me. :P
Flavors: Autumn Leaf Pile, Bread, Earth, Grain, Hay, Honey, Mineral, Nuts, Raisins, Roasted
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I’m no expert;). At least you didn’t dump the cup
I don’t hate these teas, I just don’t love them either. :P
Don’t know this particular tea but some I’ve tried recently fr Jing Tea Shop and Tao Tea Leaf completely blew my mind. They are not created equal.
Maybe you would like Oriental Beauty? They are a notch lighter.
I’m no expert either, but I do know there are a lot of “wuyi teas” out there, that aren’t really from the wuyi mountains. Not saying this isn’t though..I checked their website, good da hong pao teas (big red robe) are usually on the pricy side, wonder how they can afford to sell theirs at only 9.95 for 70g. Maybe it’s just a lower grade?
I second what Boychik said, haven’t tried JTS, but Tao Tea Leaf Da Hong Pao is just amazing :-)
I’m no expert;). At least you didn’t dump the cup
I don’t hate these teas, I just don’t love them either. :P
Don’t know this particular tea but some I’ve tried recently fr Jing Tea Shop and Tao Tea Leaf completely blew my mind. They are not created equal.
Maybe you would like Oriental Beauty? They are a notch lighter.
I’m no expert either, but I do know there are a lot of “wuyi teas” out there, that aren’t really from the wuyi mountains. Not saying this isn’t though..I checked their website, good da hong pao teas (big red robe) are usually on the pricy side, wonder how they can afford to sell theirs at only 9.95 for 70g. Maybe it’s just a lower grade?
I second what Boychik said, haven’t tried JTS, but Tao Tea Leaf Da Hong Pao is just amazing :-)