Now this is my kind of black tea – malty, robust, and naturally sweet. The dry leaf has an intense brown sugar aroma, notes of toast and sweet potato, and a hint of tobacco. Wet leaf had an even sweeter aroma evoking molasses and balsamic vinegar. The first steep was rich and full-bodied with notes of malt, brown sugar, and cocoa. The brown sugar sweetness became more prominent in the second steep and was accompanied by a touch of earthiness. By the third steep, the tea mellowed a bit and took on a pleasant dark chocolate and malt profile. I western steeped this for 3 minutes followed by two additional infusions of 5 and 7 minutes.
I’ve written about my preference of 2nd flush greens and am beginning to wonder if I have a similar affinity for black tea. My favorite black teas by far have been flavor-forward low cost teas from Fujian and Yunnan. Taiwanese blacks and the “Imperial” grade versions OTOH just don’t do much for me. They are a little too delicate for my taste. This one is an outstanding tea that feels like a steal at $5 and some change for a 50g bag.
Flavors: Brown Sugar, Cocoa, Malt, Sweet Potatoes, Toast
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Sounds fantastic—this is the flavor profile I prefer, too, and I’ve been wondering the same about “imperial” grade. In my limited experience, they also fade out too fast (or lose complexity quickly).
This and the Black Gold (not bi luo chun) are my breakfast dianhong choices. I’ve also been known to blend some bud heavy black teas with some of this or the Black Gold to achieve a balance more to my liking.
I do prefer the more delicate black teas as well when I am in the mood but this always hits the spot.
Sounds fantastic—this is the flavor profile I prefer, too, and I’ve been wondering the same about “imperial” grade. In my limited experience, they also fade out too fast (or lose complexity quickly).
This and the Black Gold (not bi luo chun) are my breakfast dianhong choices. I’ve also been known to blend some bud heavy black teas with some of this or the Black Gold to achieve a balance more to my liking.
I do prefer the more delicate black teas as well when I am in the mood but this always hits the spot.