Another tea I got in a trade with Lena. I have to say the impossible has happened – I’ve found a Zhena’s Gypsy tea that I actually enjoy.
The smell of the tea was lovely and frnagently grassy – no stales leaves here. I was pretty conservative with the steeping temp and time not wanting to botch it up. I’d rather have tea that’s a little bit on the weak side rather than tea that’s so oversteaped it’s undrinkable.
The taste has the typical sencha grassy notes with a touch of astringency, which I noticed mostly strongly when the tea was hot. It’s not too mouth-drying though thankfully; some greens and darjeelings make me feel like I’m having all the moisture sucked out of my mouth. There’s also a bit of a smoother, sweeter taste that creeps in as the tea get cooler – it reminds me of something, but I’m not quite sure what yet.
I also got a decent resteep out of the leaves (2 min) and again could probably get another couple more out of it.
Oh I know it wasn’t stale. You got the 1st cup out of the bag. I haven’t gotten around to trying it yet…but it’s good to know that you liked it!