I’m just enjoying my first steep of this and will edit note over several infusions today, but I just wanted to say how impressed I am with this. The first sip is light and sweet and has a sparkling mineral quality. There is also something smooth and savory going on, but its hard to pin point. I feel like I’m sipping on a glass of chardonnay, except I don’t think I like chardonnay or that this tastes anything like it, its more of an experience. Definitely silky, definitely something I could drink everyday. Wish I was sharing this with others. Ooo was that a hint of clove?
Second steep, much stronger and much more like what I’ve tried of pu-erh, which is very little. Mmm leather. I’ve been trying to discern other notes, but its all leather and that’s okay. It is also noticeably dryer than the first steep, but I tend not to like second steeps as much as first and all that come after (with the recent exception of Leadenhall). Brewed leaves did have that sweet, sweaty horse smell btw. Ah tiny bit of caramel and wood at the bottom of the cup.
Mmm getting the spice on the tongue and woodsy scent in the cup now. Something is reminding me of sandalwood and amber? Yes it is a little musty, but I’m also tasting mint and… lilac? Love the complexity.
Didn’t care much for the fourth or fifth steep last night, they were more barnyard and winey. Husband wanted a British blend after dinner, so I switched to that. I did a quick rinse and a bit longer steep this morning and it was quite nice, back to light and mineral with subtle undertones of everything else, wood, wine and leather. May try a few more this afternoon, but so far first and third were my favorites.
