Something told me to drink it grandpa style. It’s unlike any Ruby 18 I’ve had. Sweeter than any other, softer, complex. No tannic bite at all, which is often an occurrence with this cultivar. Incredible balance of aroma, flavor, texture.
I have a few samples of new-to-me Ruby 18s from Leafhopper to try so it might be hasty of me to say after drinking this tea that there is now no other Ruby 18 for me. Song Tea is going to ruin my tea budget. Their selection thus far has been some of the best leaf I’ve had. The teas make me want to do nothing more than to sit with them and feel, rather than taste.
I will return with more another time.
Song pairing: The Flamingos — “I Only Have Eyes for You”
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FvzNeh4Mq1o
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You sent me a Ruby White once that put me on Cloud Nine! Tea memories….
If this is better than What-Cha’s Ruby 18, I’m in trouble!
I will have to compare this to Brandy Oolong from TeaLyra, which is also a ruby 18.
It’s definitely worth a try, TeaEarleGreyHot! I could send you a sample if you’d like. And I hope you enjoy yours, Leafhopper.
ashmanra – I’ll never forget your note for that tea :) I’d love to have that particular ruby white again.
Oh yeah, ashmanra – Mountain Stream Teas’ Earth Ruby White is another really good one.
derk: I will definitely give it a look!
Derk, you reminded me that I got a large cake of “experimental” white tea of Ruby 18 a few yr ago from TeaLyra, which was very brittle and crumbly. Flavour wasn’t great, either. It may have improved somewhat with age, and I’ll dig it out soon for another session!
You sent me a Ruby White once that put me on Cloud Nine! Tea memories….
If this is better than What-Cha’s Ruby 18, I’m in trouble!
I will have to compare this to Brandy Oolong from TeaLyra, which is also a ruby 18.
It’s definitely worth a try, TeaEarleGreyHot! I could send you a sample if you’d like. And I hope you enjoy yours, Leafhopper.
ashmanra – I’ll never forget your note for that tea :) I’d love to have that particular ruby white again.
Oh yeah, ashmanra – Mountain Stream Teas’ Earth Ruby White is another really good one.
derk: I will definitely give it a look!
Derk, you reminded me that I got a large cake of “experimental” white tea of Ruby 18 a few yr ago from TeaLyra, which was very brittle and crumbly. Flavour wasn’t great, either. It may have improved somewhat with age, and I’ll dig it out soon for another session!