Oh, man— How this tea takes me was back! Golden Phoenix was one of my first notes on Steepster. I initially thought it was a “green oolong” tea (labelled semi-green), and I had one hell of a time trying to politely convey how strange and off-putting I found it.
Then a couple years back I stumbled upon it again when Bear with Me pointed it out as a favourite “puerh” tea in store. That was a big “Oh” moment.
Now I can drink this with a (somewhat) greater point of reference and can actually say that it’s a pretty decent puerh blend. The citrus cinnamon is still a flavour rollercoaster but the “strange” earthy sweetness that confused younger me is now appreciated.
I could see myself craving this more around the fall/winter transition. It’s warm and soothing with a great contrast between action (cinnamon, citrus zest) and rest (fermented puerh, earth). Now the tea name makes sense!
Flavors: Cinnamon, Earth, Orange, Petrichor, Salt, Sugar
