Yay, another sample from Sil! I am happy to try all of these TTC teas since Taiwanese black teas are a little hit or miss for me. They can’t be too fruity, which is weird to me, but there it is. I didn’t quite know how to steep this one so I dumped about half my sample in the cup (long, squiggly leaves always making things interesting) and tried out these parameters first… will likely try others with the next half.
This tea certainly smells very fruity. Apricot, perhaps, with a hint of whatever that note is that I dislike in Taiwanese black teas (hard to describe). A bit honeyed as well. I would say this cup is a little under brewed. I think I would go hotter and also possibly longer. The flavor in the main part of the sip is thin, but there is a lot in the aftertaste. This does remind me of Butiki’s Taiwanese Wild Mountain Black but it’s been so long since I’ve had that one that it’s hard to remember exactly. I am happy to say that the note that I tend to dislike has smoothed itself out in the flavor, and the honey and pastry notes make themselves a bit more known. As it cools the cup gains a smooth, almost creamy texture that is quite pleasant.
Overall this is definitely an enjoyable tea, although it edges toward the side of Taiwanese blacks that I’m not in love with, or at least I would never really crave. But obviously a very nice example of the type if you are into those sorts of things.
happy to pass any of the ones i buy over for you to try
yay thanks! :D