This Sun Moon Lake black tea is very smooth, no astringency and a good amount maltiness. It has a faint sugar cane sweetness, with a milder boldness for an assam. There are initially some greener, more cucumber vegetal notes, along with a mild bell pepper undertone (this last very brief and transitions to the maltier, sweeter flavor).
The quality is certainly there, as you can see the wholeness of the long, hand rolled leaves. They unfurl nicely and hold their flavor for 6+ steepings (gongfu – shorter in gaiwan).
A very nice, calm tea that is even enjoyable for a later night.