Thank you Teavivre for this sample.
Wow some of these leaves are huge! An estimation of 5cm long and 2cm wide, some of the largest leaves I have ever received. Half are large and the others have unfortunately broken in half :( but hey ho. In appearance the leaves are very thin in width but dry and slightly crisp to the touch. They are a mixture of dark and medium greens with a beautiful silver shine that always reminds me of cats eyes (well the way that they reflect anyway). After time to breathe from the packet the leaves have a sweet yet strongly green and vegetal scent. Rather broccoli and grassy in combo.
Using Teavivres steep guide I shall be doing the following:
Teapot – 8oz (roughly 200ml)
Leaves – (7g)
3 steeps – 1m,2m,3m
Temperature – 80ºC/176ºF
First Steep – Once steeped the tea is light yellow with a buttery and mineral green aroma with a little sweetness. Flavour is light and sweet with a floral and green nature. Not quite as mineral as the aroma but almost, like fresh broccoli with sweet flowers and a touch of butter. Light but a very nice introduction to the tea and what it has to offer.
Second Steep – The green mineral flavour is enhanced and very fresh tasting without being bitter, dry or perfumed. The sweetness has been toned down a little or at least blends in better than the previous steep. Still I must say it’s not as floral or strong as I was expecting but again it’s in a good way. As long as a green tea has flavour then it doesn’t matter about it’s strength.
Third Steep – This is the first steep that is so heavily mineral that it is a touch dry in the after taste but only minimally. All that is left after the mineral flavour is a hint of sweetness.
Overall – It’s a nice mineral green tea that remains fresh and light throughout. Another mild green tea hit for me.
