Scheherazade Send Message

264 Followers / 340 Following

Recommended

Scheherazade drank Shui Xian Gong Fu (2012) by Langgasstee

2238 tasting notes

From the EU TTB – Round 3

I came across this one at the bottom of the box last night. I’ve had some good experiences with Chinese black tea recently, so I’m delighted to have the chance to try another. Since I’m brewing this one at work, it has to be western style, so I used 1 tsp of leaf and gave it 3.5 minutes in boiling water.

The scent while brewing is lovely – malty, a hint of stone fruit. To taste, it’s even better. The beginning of the sip is sweetly malty, which then deepens into a delicious, almost yeasty, baked bread flavour. There’s a light fruity note right at the end, maybe apricot, and a smooth, almost caramelly finish.

I really enjoyed this one. It has a lot of the characteristics that I enjoy in a black tea, was flavourful and deliciously smooth to boot. The more Chinese black teas I try, the more I’m encouraged to continue trying. Long may the journey continue!

Preparation

Boiling 3 min, 30 sec 1 tsp

I Like This

8 likes

0 comments

People who liked this

Profile

Bio

Hi :) I’m Sarah, and I live in Norfolk in the UK. My tea obsession began when a friend introduced me to Teapigs a good few years ago now. Since then, I’ve been insatiable. Steepster introduced me to a world of tea I never knew existed, and my goal is now to TRY ALL THE TEAS. Or most of them, anyway.

I still have a deep rooted (and probably life-long) preference for black tea. My all-time favourite is Assam, but Ceylon and Darjeeling also occupy a place in my heart. Flavoured black tea can be a beautiful thing, and I like a good chai latte in the winter.

I also drink a lot of rooibos/honeybush tea, particularly on an evening. Sometimes they’re the best dessert replacements, too. White teas are a staple in summer — their lightness and delicate nature is something I can always appreciate on a hot day.

I’m still warming up to green teas and oolongs. I don’t think they’ll ever be my favourites, with a few rare exceptions, but I don’t hate them anymore. My experience of these teas is still very much a work-in-progress. I’m also beginning to explore pu’erh, both ripened and raw. That’s my latest challenge!

I’m still searching for the perfect fruit tea. One without hibiscus. That actually tastes of fruit.

You’ve probably had enough of me now, so I’m going to shut up. Needless to say, though, I really love tea. Long may the journey continue!

My rating system:

91-100: The Holy Grail. Flawless teas I will never forget.

81-90: Outstanding. Pretty much perfection, and happiness in a cup.

71-80: Amazing. A tea to savour, and one I’ll keep coming back to.

61-70: Very good. The majority of things are as they should be. A pleasing cup.

51-60: Good. Not outstanding, but has merit.

41-50: Average. It’s not horrible, but I’ve definitely had better. There’s probably still something about it I’m not keen on.

31-40: Almost enjoyable, but something about it is not for me.

11-30: Pretty bad. It probably makes me screw my face up when I take a sip, but it’s not completely undrinkable.

0-10: Ugh. No. Never again. To me, undrinkable.