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Daylon R Thomas drank Sweet Zhang by 52teas

1725 tasting notes

I’m in Vanilla tea comparison mode along with chai mode this fall. I wanted to try this one for a little bit, and got sample of Panetonne and the Raspberry Coconut Hojicha blend. All of them are pretty good, though I’ll admit the Hojicha blend was my favorite. This one, however, was very satisfying. The black tea base was rich but not too heavy and immensely cocoa-chocolatey in tea categories. The vanilla with it made it rich and silky. There’s a little bit of tannin hints more in line with the tannins I get from dark chocolate in a bittersweet aftertaste. It’s just the right amount of bitterness for my preference anyway since it has a very forgiving black tea base. The body was thin every once in a while, but I got about two good cups with a solid third rebrewing it. It reminds me of the flavoring you see in some Mandarin Silk oolong blends, but way better with a balanced black base. I wondered if it was a Laoshan black, but I double checked and it’s clearly identified. Definitely a tea snobs version of a vanilla black.

Flavors: Butter, Cocoa, Cookie, Floral, Malt, Silky, Smooth, Sweet, Tannin, Vanilla

Preparation

190 °F / 87 °C 3 min, 15 sec 1 tsp 10 OZ / 295 ML

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First Off, Current Targets:

Whispering Pines Alice
Good Luxurious Work Teas
Wang Family’s Jasmine Shanlinxi
Spring, Winter Taiwan High Mountain Oolongs

Dislikes: Heavy Tannin, Astringency, Bitterness, or Fake Flavor, Overly herby herbal or aged teas

Picky with: Higher Oxidation Oolongs, Red Oolongs (Some I love, others give me headaches or are almost too sweet), Mint Teas

Currently, my stash is overflowing. Among my favorites are What-Cha’s Lishan Black, Amber Gaba Oolong, Lishan Oolong, Qilan Oolong, White Rhino, Kenya Silver Needle, Tong Mu Lapsang Black (Unsmoked); Whispering Pines Alice, Taiwanese Assam, Wang’s Shanlinxi, Cuifeng, Dayuling, Jasmine Shan Lin Xi; Beautiful Taiwan Tea Co.“Old Style” Dong Ding, Mandala Milk Oolong; Paru’s Milk Oolong

Me:

I am an MSU graduate, and current alternative ed. high school social studies and history teacher. I formerly minored in anthropology, and I love Egyptian and classical history. I love to read, write, draw, paint, sculpt, fence(with a sword), practice calisthenics on rings, lift weights, workout, relax, and drink a cuppa tea…or twenty.

I’ve been drinking green and black teas ever since I was little living in Hawaii. Eastern Asian influence was prominent with my friends and where I grew up, so I’ve been exposed to some tea culture at a young age. I’ve come a long way since I began on steepster and now drink most teas gong fu, especially oolong. Any tea that is naturally creamy, fruity, or sweet without a lot of added flavoring ranks as a must have for me. I also love black teas and dark oolongs with the elusive “cocoa” note. My favorites are lighter Earl Greys, some white teas like What-Cha’s Kenyan offerings, most Hong-Cha’s, darker Darjeelings, almost anything from Nepal, Green Shan Lin Xi’s, and Greener Dong Dings. I’m in the process of trying Alishan’s. I also tend to really enjoy Yunnan Black or Red teas and white teas. I’m pickier with other teas like chamomile, green teas, and Masalas among several.

I used to give ratings, but now I only rate teas that have a strong impression on me. If I really like it, I’ll write it down.

I’ll enjoy a tea almost no matter what, even if the purpose is more medicinal, for it is my truest vice and addiction.