This has to be one of the oldest teas in my cupboard? Fortunately, it’s stored in a tin that’s pretty airtight, and then in a box, so it doesn’t seem to have deteriorated much (if at all, really) in the 2+ years I’ve owned it. I revisit this one periodically, and I’ve found it interesting to track how my impression of it has changed. Today’s cup has the same citrus fruit “somewhere in the middle of lemon/orange” (i.e. yuzu!) flavour it always has, but I don’t find it as bitter as I used to. There’s a strong pithy flavour towards the end of the sip, and a pepperiness in the mid-sip that I’ve not really noticed before. It really reminds me of crushed black pepper and lemon rind, and in that respect it’s quite a savoury tea. The green tea base carries that a bit further – it’s reminiscent of seaweed and saltwater, so definitely on the “marine” side.
I’m actually enjoying this more than I ever have before – having greater tea experience has definitely improved my appreciation of this one! I’m going to try and finish it off soon mostly because it’s pretty old and I feel bad that it’s still hanging around in my cupboard. It could be a candidate for a future repurchase, though, if I ever get to a stage where I can really consider buying tea in larger quantities.
It was good to come back to this one today. I’ve increased my rating a little to reflect my new-found enjoyment.
1 tsp, 2m30s, 180 water. No additions.
