I used boiling water for this one and I think it brought out some nice flavors. Might try cooler water next time just to see how that goes. Lots of maltiness, some chocolatey notes early on. Later steeps I noticed more fruity flavors – maybe raisins, plums, or cherries. They aren’t as prominent as many people seem to make them out to be in Oriental Beauty (though this is the first one I’ve tried). Definitely very sweet, and had a good thick feeling in the mouth. Increased steep times a little faster than I would with some other teas and it never got bitter or anything. Perhaps a little astringent, but I suspect that’s because it was decently oxidized.
Flavors: Chocolate, Honey, Malt, Plum, Raisins, Stonefruit, Thick