314 Tasting Notes
Yay! I got this today and instantly tore into it!
I have to say it’s super smooth and the flavor seems very soft and slate-y. But I’m not getting much of anything else, sadly. No cinnamon, no sweetness, no vanilla, no angel food cake…
Just smooth, soft, slightly rooty puerh-ness.
But wait!…..if I breathe deeply and exhale with each sip—I can taste something like buckwheat…something like malt-o-meal..something like those whole wheat tea biscuits in those cylindrical packages (“Digestive Biscuits”?). Then, finally some rich buttery notes, upon cooldown.
Wow. Some teas assert themselves right away. This one doesn’t. Patience is key!
Preparation
Minty, savory green tea. I’ve steeped this pretty potently so the “brothy” notes are shining through. Not bitter at all and very refreshing. After a very late, fun night, I’m finding this very soothing to the tummy this morning!
This would definitely be delicious with sugar or honey!
Preparation
Tastes very woodsy-sweet—like sandalwood and maple syrup. Has a bit of “chewiness” and a hint of breadiness. The smokiness is more apparent on cooldown.
I’m really enjoying this cup—I think this is (was) a very good tea. It is very yummy. Makes a great breakfast tea—very substantial and invigorating. I love the mapley, caramelly, woodsy sweetness.
In short, Keemuns are great! :)
(and R.I.P. SpecialTeas!!!)
Preparation
An interesting flavor—I like it!
Citrusy, sweet, spicy, tangy and toasty all at once. Reminds me of Thai food—with all its melange of flavors.
Roasted cardamom and pineapple upon cooldown.
Really yummy…and strangely comforting and refreshing at the same time.
Preparation
Lovely!
I’m struck by the pure taste of gardenias and jasmine in this—yet it’s not “flavored”. It just tastes so…pretty!!
Creamy white flowers. Slightly toasty, steamy “green-ness”. HInts of peach and banana.
Like the tropics in a glass.
What a beautiful tea! :)
Preparation
First sip…tastes like edamame! A bit briney and a bit sweet.
Next sips.. settles into smooth, slightly smoky, woodsy cocoa with hints of soy sauce.
Super mild—very easy to drink. Not tannic at all.
Another very subtle, easygoing tea. It’s nice, may be best for an afternoon or early evening tea. But for mornings, it looks like I need something with more “kick”.
Preparation
Smells like rich dark chocolate.
Taste is very mild and smooth with a faint chocolatey essence and just a hint of that distinctive puerh earthiness.
This is good but just super super subtle. I would have a preferred a more aggressive flavor. Next time I’ll use more leaf (I used about a teaspoon for 12.85 oz).
This would be a nice “starter” pu-erh for the uninitiated! :)
Preparation
First off, I think this smells delicious. All at once sweet, sour and biscuity.
I gave this a quick “rinse” before the actual steeping (as the directions recommended) but I think it may have rinsed away most of the actual flavor potency?
Now there’s just a hint of something like yummy vinegary biscuits—which I know may sound weird but I love vinegar! I love balsamic vinegar over strawberries. I love fish and chips doused with malt vinegar. And I love Sea Salt & Vinegar Kettle Chips!
Wouldn’t that be neat if there was a Salt & Vinegar Chip-flavored tea?
Anyways, this a mild black tea with a subtle “sweet and sour” flavor. Slightly malty. A bit drying on the lips.
I didn’t steep mine for as long. I steeped it in my gaiwan for just 45 seconds for the first steep (after the rinse) and added 15 seconds to each subsequent infusion. I also steeped it at a slightly lower temperature (195 F)