This is one of my favourite black teas, it compares very well with the “Feng Qing Ye Sheng Hong Cha”, another favourite of mine.
It has a beautiful smell, full body, pleasant and decently strong taste, and no astringency. The price is very good too. Really, it’s hard to imagine what more could you want.
As for the particular characteristics, it is quite a malty tea, but not as sweet and lacking the chocolate notes (I nevertheless do get a bit of cocoa beans flavour, especially in the finish) of many tippy Yunnan and Fujian red teas. The taste is definitely more balanced compared to those. It is tart, robust and sweet. I aslo get woody notes of cedar and barrel aged liquors. The aftertaste is strong and protracted, with hints of spices like star anise and cinnamon.
Importantly, the mouthfeel is not lacking in any way either. It is soft, velvety and full-bodied! If you like black tea, definitely get this one, the price is more than adequate!
Flavors: Brandy, Cedar, Cocoa, Malt, Molasses, Rum, Spices, Sweet, Tart