122 Tasting Notes
Okay, I was drinking this tea wrong. That’s all on me, Tieguanyin!! I decided to give it another try at work today in the late afternoon, after being high on Laoshan Black all day. While it was steeping (in a tea ball, because I got a tea leaf stuck in my throat yesterday) I completely forgot about it when I got an idea and started typing away. I remembered later, not sure how much later (but the tea was still warm), and it tasted AMAZING! I think I wasn’t steeping it for long enough! I was so impressed with the taste after a long steep that it gave me an idea.
I noticed the tea leaves had greatly grown in size inside my tea-prison of a tea-ball. I remembered reading on the Verdant website how Chinese farmers have a hot cup of water and simply put the leaves in the glass. I was inspired to liberate my leaves and I am so glad I did! The dry leaf looks, well, scrunchy. It greatly expanded in my glass and looked a little like seaweed — I could almost imagine a little seahorse curling his tail around a leaf in there. After fully expanding it looks green and delicious, like a liquid salad.
The taste continues to be amazing, even into my resteepings. I was going to go home, but I had to log this experience! Also, drink more of this tea. The smell and taste continues to be delicious, though somewhat diminished of course. I have to dodge tea leaves a bit as I drink, but the visual effect is worth it. I heard tea leaves are good for you — perhaps I’ll even munch on one.
Another win for Verdant! I love you guys.
Preparation
This tea is so good. So. Good. I’m not usually a frequent black tea drinker, but I’m finding myself drawn to this one more and more. Thank goodness I ordered more or I’d be miserly with it! How can a black tea smell and taste like fresh-baked brownies? I don’t understand but I’m in love! Try this tea!
I loved Laoshan Black and have been looking forward to trying the Laoshan Green. So far I’m noticing that it smells way different — this one smells almost like seaweed. It looks like the same twisty little leaves, though! I’m brewing this with a low temperature after reading other people’s comments. Let’s get to it!
The brew definitely has a green, seaweedy smell — totally different than it’s black tea cousin. The tea itself is very light in color and has a grassy taste. It’s possible I did not steep this long enough, but I didn’t want to risk a bitter cup. I can almost taste the vitamin C in this — it’s like eating a mouthful of greens (which may sound bad to some people, I don’t mean it that way).
Resteeping was successful, the smell was stronger but the taste was lighter. Interesting. I liked this tea, but not nearly as much as the Laoshan Black! In fact, maybe I should order some more Black today…
