25 Tasting Notes
It took me a loooooong time to like this tea. I was naive. I didn’t understand why it wasn’t bold and bitter and kick-your-teeth-in strong, no matter how long I steeped it. Needless to say, now that I’m firmly ensconced in the world of loose leaf tea, I can sit back and appreciate it, and it’s very pleasing indeed.
The main thing that turned me off of it initially was an overpowering muskiness. It reminded me of years of half-remembered colognes. Quite odd and disarming.
Now I like it as I realize that aspect is mostly in the aroma. The flavor is predominantly plum or fig with a strong taste of peaches lingering on the tip of the tongue. And it’s very, very malty.
I don’t think this one holds up too well to multiple infusions. Strange, because I’d assume it would, given the (apparent) quality of the leaves and the fact that they’re almost all gold in color. There are other factors. I’m sure. I’m still naive. But I like this Golden Monkey.
Preparation
I’m almost finished with the 38 grams of this I bought last week. Not very much of it, but if I went through it that quickly I know it’s something I’ll be picking up again. I’m usually nursing a cup of wonderful, tasty Yunnan or Keemun.
As Indigobloom pointed out, most of DAVIDsTEA’s selection seems to be of the relatively mild variety. Not this one. This is by far the strongest tea I’ve had from them.
This morning’s first steep didn’t even break the three minute mark. Two cups of near-boiling water, two teaspoons of tea (not heaping, but not stingy). Brewed as dark as most of my teas would be after a 4-5 minute steep.
The taste is very earthy and slightly bitter, but the good, pleasing kind of bitter. I definitely get the floral notes, but thankfully not as strong as I do in the smell (not a fan of floral). It’s very full-bodied. Very satisfying as a pick-me-up, but it works well as the after-dinner treat in the official description.
