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1622 tasting notes

Via White Antlers, a 5g bag of “Wuyi Black Tea.” Perfect amount for a casual gongfu session.

The almost entirely intact leaf was very large and crispy dry but still had a good smell of brown sugar and baked stonefruits. Warming the leaf brought an addition of raisins. First steep was pure unsmoked lapsang souchong in character with raisins and straw soaked in apricot brandy and touches of sophisticated lady (floral perfume), soft cinnamon and minerals. The aftertaste was quick to arrive with cream-drizzled honey-baked stonefruits. The tea, perhaps due to age, was very drying and produced thick saliva. Combined with the aftertaste, I really had the impression that I had drank heavy cream. The tea was clearly old but still provided for a nice session. Dang, do I love Wuyi black teas!

Flavors: Apricot, Brandy, Brown Sugar, Cinnamon, Cream, Creamy, Drying, Fruity, Honey, Mineral, Perfume, Raisins, Stonefruit, Straw

Preparation

200 °F / 93 °C 5 g 3 OZ / 100 ML

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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.

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