My goal this year is to write one review per day. I’m hoping that I’ll be able to keep on this, but we shall see….
I wanted to drink 4-5 teas yesterday (and I had); however, I cannot recall anything from the sessions had with the exception of this and another tea.As I read through my notes on this session, I noted that I hadn’t followed the brewing instructions (194 F for 3-5 minutes). I’m assuming this would’ve been more excellent brewed western style (?); however, I threw the entire sample into my 150 ml Gaiwan at 195 F water w/quick steeps.
I had notes of cocoa, dried plum (?), raisins, malt, and the tea having a thick body.
I’m usually skeptical with brewing black tea and/or having a black tea. 90% of the flavors out there are usually rated at an average 0-60 for me; however, the 10% that remains is usually on the higher scale from 80-95%. It really has to be good for me to consider it, or to truly enjoy it. And despite the ratings of this tea, I think I’m one of the few that likes it as much as I do. There are notes beyond the maltiness (which I must say malt is what turns me off from black tea—cough Assam cough) that gives this tea a unique balance within the black tea spectrum. However, it isn’t as highly favorited as say, Laoshan Black, but it is on the higher end of my rating scale (75%; average). Overall, I like it. I’d drink it from time to time, but it’s neither a daily drinker nor a ‘never have again’ tea.
