251 Tasting Notes
Another backlog sipdown- goodbye Coconut Grove. This is the most straight coconutty white tea I’ve ever had, but it did have something cloying and a bit artificial about it. I never saw it brought back by David’s after their summer release anyway, so won’t be a re-order for sure.
Another backlog and sipdown, but this will be a reorder for sure yet again. I frickin’ love it. I do wish it was less expensive as it is one of my most pricey blends, if you are looking for a naturally delicious cocoa and cherry profile in your cup, this is is the tea for you. Seriously, it is yum without being cloying or artificial in the slightest. I don’t know how Brenden did it, but he did it right.
I ordered a sample of this with our most recent Harney order and while it is tasty for a bold straight black, the TLDR version is that I prefer Scottish Morn still.
In the measuring teaspoon, it looks like CTC black pieces with small greenish flecks. It brews a rich dark brown and the aroma is straight up malt. I don’t look for complexity in teas like this, so I am not at all put off by the simplicity in the scent. Unfortunately, while the addition of Darjeeling to this blend adds depth of flavor in my cup, it does it in a way that takes from the briskness and body of the Assam and Ceylon.
This kind of tea (like Scottish Morn) is meant to be enjoyed with milk and I added a good dash to my cup, which helps to give the tea a creamy balanced profile and highlights a hint of muscatel and citrus. While it is still a decent tea blend and I like what they had in mind for it, my personal preference will forever go to my favorite CTC for when I want a bold wake-up and I will reach for Scottish Morn, not Scottish Afternoon every time.
Flavors: Citrus, Malt, Muscatel
Preparation
This is probably my favorite straight black tea, so not a sipdown I was looking forward to. I was especially horrified to note it was out of stock when I tried to re-order. On the bright side, it should be back soon. I can only hope that this harvest is as flavorful and amazing as the last. If Yu Lu Yan Cha was a man, it would be a strange love triangle indeed. :3
This is Scribbles favorite too! Yu Lu Yan Cha Black vs. Zhu Rong Yunnan Black? I’ve not yet had the pleasure of ZRYB.
You simply must try ZRYB also if you get the chance. I am out of both or I’d offer to send some to you! From the last harvest, I would pick Yu Lu Yan Cha as my favorite of the two. I think it is generally less appreciated by the Steepster community, but still delicious all the same. :)
I have a lot of Zhu Rong Yunnan black-I can send you some, looseTman! Let me know if you want some-totally willing to share!
How have I never reviewed this tea? I feel like I must have and it was in my cupboard, but no previous review to be found. This is a backlog sipdown, but I remember really enjoying it. It was also a pleasant transition straight black tea as the seasons change. During the Fall and Winter and found myself reaching for the bold malty/choco blends like Fujian and Laoshan Black, but come Spring and Summer- Ailaoshan Black is where it’s at. :)
I have a serious backlog because I had to have major surgery and haven’t been able to review. I am on the mend, but most of my current notes will be short and sweet in an attempt to catch up.
This is a sipdown and will be missed. I enjoyed this sweet and sugary (literally like burnt sugar at times) dessert blend with a dash of milk to make it creamier. Will probably be a reorder for the next holiday season.