derk Send Message

199 Followers / 153 Following

Recommended

derk drank Nong Xiang Original Tieguanyin Revival by Verdant Tea

1637 tasting notes

I took a few notes over Christmas and managed to stuff them in my backpack which kept them from getting lost during my move. The notes are pretty sparse, though.

I received the Autumn 2017 harvest of Nong Xiang Original Tieguanyin Revival as a freebie with my last Verdant Tea order. Gone gaiwan: 5g, 100mL, 205F, 6 steeps at 6/9/12/16/25/30s. Cut short due to Christmas happenings.

So begin the short notes.

Dry leaf: cedar, roast, dark chocolate
Aroma: orchid, malt?, light cream
First several steeps: orchid, cream, marshmallow, goji?, raspberry, mint, salty, mineral, smooth, not sour
Fourth steep developed a creamy mouthfeel
Fifth steep: noticed aftertaste of orange blossom, orange zest, light butter

All I remember about the characteristics of the tea was how smooth it was and perhaps understated yet complex with the fruit flavors (I know I was missing a lot of what was there). I’d definitely try a more focused tasting if some magically landed in my cupboard.

Preparation

205 °F / 96 °C 5 g 3 OZ / 100 ML

I Like This

16 likes

0 comments

People who liked this

Profile

Bio

This place, like the rest of the internet, is dead and overrun with bots. Yet I persist.

Eventual tea farmer. If you are a tea grower, want to grow your own plants or are simply curious, please follow me so we can chat.

I most enjoy loose-leaf, unflavored teas and tisanes. Teabags have their place. Some of my favorite teas have a profound effect on mind and body rather than having a specific flavor profile.

Favorite teas generally come from China (all provinces), Taiwan, India (Nilgiri and Manipur). Frequently enjoyed though less sipped are teas from Georgia, Japan, and Nepal. While I’m not actively on the hunt, a goal of mine is to try tea from every country that makes it available to the North American market. This is to gain a vague understanding of how Camellia sinensis performs in different climates. I realize that borders are arbitrary and some countries are huge with many climates and tea-growing regions.

I’m convinced European countries make the best herbal teas.

Personal Rating Scale:

100-90: A tea I can lose myself into. Something about it makes me slow down and appreciate not only the tea but all of life or a moment in time. If it’s a bagged or herbal tea, it’s of standout quality in comparison to similar items.

89-80: Fits my profile well enough to buy again.

79-70: Not a preferred tea. I might buy more or try a different harvest. Would gladly have a cup if offered.

69-60: Not necessarily a bad tea but one that I won’t buy again. Would have a cup if offered.

59-1: Lacking several elements, strangely clunky, possesses off flavor/aroma/texture or something about it makes me not want to finish.

Unrated: Haven’t made up my mind or some other reason. If it’s puerh, I likely think it needs more age.

bicycle bicycle bicycle