Featured & New Tasting Notes
This tea is not out yet, i just found out tonight. I’ve had a sample for a little while now but was sitting on it for god knows what reason. Well whatever the reason was, it was a good one cause i don’t think I could have had a better session than tonight with it. It was the perfect timing.
Granted I love pretty much all types of oolong, I drink it everyday. I seek quality though. Don’t want to drink anything generic.
So I was pretty excited to try this one cause Big Red Robe is a highly praised oolong. And I like BRR a lot usually.
Just the smell of the dry leaf is divine: baked goods, roasted chestnut and almond, sweet and velvety. However, the first thing I get in steep one is a strong floral mouthfeel. The tea is just waking up.
Then, it’s a party in the mouth. Honey, almond, and the unthinkable…toasted coconut. That nice almost milky sweetness you get from coconut flakes toasted in the oven. This is all very subjective of course, it doesn’t make this tea anywhere near a flavoured coconut oolong. It’s just reminiscent of it.
It’s complex but so easy to drink. Nice rock minerals develop, and it remains very sweet.
It gets very juicy and refreshing, like a bright citrusy and oaky white wine.
Thank you Brenden for this generous sample. This is fancy oolong. I’m happy I got to try it, and I love that I had plenty to make a very satisfying gongfu session!
Pic’s session:
And why have I not tried this tea before? Because I’ve been stupid, that’s why!
Using 7g for medium gaiwan.
It’s such a beautiful leaf. A mix of pale green, gold, and dark purplish brown.
http://instagram.com/p/rc29iYwhy8/
Oh, that’s a big wow…I’ve been drinking it two days in a row. It’s probably one of the best pu’erh sheng I have drank so far.
It’s so sweet! Really, at one point during the session, it felt like I was drinking honey. It has none of the acidic astringency sometimes found in sheng.
It’s just a tad smokey, and that smoke seems to fade away as the tea gets sweeter. Cause yes, it keeps getting sweeter. I taste sweet corn…and buttered green beans.
it’s also a little woody, some cedar and fresh camphor notes at the end of the sip make my tongue tingle and my body warm. I love that feeling…
It’s so juicy, and it’s as if it sparkles in my mouth like fine champaign would.
20 + gongfu steeps and it keeps on giving…
Happy mouth. Happy soul. Happy fairy.
Pic of the brew:
I am so jealous that I can barely stand it. I had some less than amazing purple tea experiences in the past, so I skipped this one. Now I am kicking myself!!!!
That makes two of us…I’m kicking for ordering so little!!!
Blaarrgghh.. maybe I will just order some. I want more Foxy Roxy also, Foxy Roxy.
Lol. Who the hell is foxy roxy???
(Innocent face)
She’s some girl I know. Cute. Fun at parties. You know the type. :p
Haha!!
Wait a minute… Fun at parties? Fairy, you holding out on me?
Lol, i invited you but you didn’t come silly!!! Moon parties, sheng parties…RIGHT HERE ON STEEPSTER :-)
Excellent tea.
The fact that you like it, makes me like it even more mrmopar :-)
Excellent descriptive review!
We used to sell 2010 and 2011 harvests. The smoke note didn’t really start until 2012, which shocked me a bit when I first tasted 2012. This is one of my special teas that I only brew when I know I can dedicate at least 10 steepings to.
Good morning, Steepster! Yes, I know it’s almost noon, but I still have 8 minutes to write this before that happens! I figured I would choose the only Yunnan from my Butiki order as my tea of the morning, since I generally like to drink a Yunnan first. The dry leaves are adorable! Fairly short, small black leaves mixed with cute little fuzzball golden tips. It left lovely golden Yunnan fairy dust all over the teaspoon I used to measure! Aww! Dry scent is sweet, musty hay with chocolate and a slight herby spice note.
Mm, tea is so lovely. The brewed tea smells quite bready, with honey notes along with light floral and fruity scents. At first, I thought this tea was a bit too light, but it seemed that as I kept sipping it, I stopped thinking so. Maybe the flavor builds with this one? Anyway, it’s definitely light for a black tea, or even for a Yunnan. The taste is very grainy in the chewy raw grain sense, not in the bread sense. I was surprised to taste an interesting hint of cinnamon, which I loved! There’s also a wee bit of floral here (less excited about that one) and it makes an intriguing mix when combined with the cinnamon. Lastly, some cocoa notes and a very smooth, mellow texture round out the end of the sip. This tea is very lovely, and definitely different from any other Yunnan I have tried! :D
Flavors: Cinnamon, Cocoa, Floral, Grain
Preparation
This IS the assam you are looking for waves hand. I’ve only tried 4 assams, all thanks to awesome swaps with Ost and Virginia, but this one is where it’s at for me. Thank you to my TFF Virginia for sending it along!
The leaves of this assam are in the spider leg family, but not quite so spidery as the classic TWMB. They brew up a cheerful reddish brown and smell delightfully fruity! This tea is malty, because it is an assam after all. But I’m also getting lovely apricot and maybe a hint of peach?The fruitiness melds into a grain-like flavor with a honey sweet finish. I really love how smooth this tea is! This one definitely goes on my Tealux wishlist and will be the assam I stock!
Flavors: Apricot, Grain, Malt
Preparation
Yum, those are all of my favorite flavors! Wishlisted. :P
It was similar to PTA, but I liked it better. That’s just my personal opinion though :)
I haven’t tried PTA yet! I just tried the Wild Mountain and it was amazing waffle deliciousness! :D
That’s like one of my favorite Assams so far. And of course, Virginia sent a sample introducing it to me :P
After midnight, Lance is in bed sleeping and I’m awake in the tearoom, my favorite room. Tomorrow is an off day for us so I can stay up late as I want and with Tea in my mug, a furbaby at my feet and a notebook full of eBooks on my lap, I’m all set to read and sip for a while tonight.
With all the lights off except for my reading lamp and the radio off everything is nice
and quite, there no sounds at all in the tearoom except for rhythmic tick-tock of the
clock on the wall and the spontaneous snoring of the doggy, I can hear the sounds of
The crickets and the frogs outside.
A perfect atmosphere for sipping and reading, I’m sipping on Rivendell so I probably should have downloaded a LOTR book but I’m still reading Piers Anthony “If I Pay Thee Not In Gold”.
I think I’m going love this tea, it smells pretty good and I took a few tasty sips already,
it’s going to be nice for reading and relaxing.
I’m going read a bit and sip my tea and soak in some of this peace and quiet with out typing up tasting notes just yet, I will do it a proper review soon but for now I’m just going enjoy this.
Good night Steepster folks :)
Nite Toad, enjoy the mellow moment….:)
What a nice space to be in
This is how I love to spend my relaxing time, too, with a good mug of tea, a book, and a furbaby.
I have started doing something similar, but it’s tea, cross stitch, cat and big screen TV.
Sounds so lovely Tommy! Give the furbaby some love from all of us. :)
How is Lance doing these days, Tommy?
Oh Lance is doing pretty good these days, no hospitals visits in a while, getting around good and breathing ok too.
He has been drinking Chaga and Reishi mushroom tea lately and I think it makes him feel better too. Thank you for asking bout him :)
Good to hear, Tommy! I still pray for him, and you, too! Glad to know he is doing better.
Not enough sleep last night. Must be the cat’s fault.
Running a little late this morning, about to leave, when that inner voice asks…
Do you have tea in your purse for work? Shrug, Dunno
Reach out and grab a random tin of black tea off the shelf and walk out the door.
An hour and a half later, letting a client vent about something that has nothing to do with us, I’m reaching into my purse for that tin of tea.
Some tea gets dumped into my infuser basket. Hang up with client.
Take basket to kitchen, add hot water, return to my desk. Answer 3 questions.
Crap forgot about my tea. Remove leaves. Take a sip….
AND THE WORLD STOPS
It’s like the stars aligned, the atmospheric pressure is perfect, the clouds part, and the sun shines through. I have the perfect cup of tea. Exactly what I’m in the mood for at the exact time that I need it the most.
I actually said out loud – What the hell am I drinking?
Co-workers look at you weird when you say things like that…. don’t care, I spent a few minutes basking in the moment, then went back to work.
This is easily in my top 5 favorite black teas. Amazing.
Haha darn cats! Mine ruined my sleep last night too lol..but this sounds like an amazing cup of tea. Love those star-aligning moments with tea haha, especially at work, because no one understands how tea can make you soo happy.
Priceless!
Blame it on a cat! I know why you couldn’t sleep. Spreadsheet! That’s why I refuse to make one.
I LOVE my new spread sheet!!! I’ll never look up a tea in my Steepster cupboard again. Looking for a fruit tisane to cold steep – it’ll show you just them. Looking for something to sip down – not problem. I can find anything in seconds. Really wish I had done this a year ago, then I would have that much more history (favorites, things to rebuy, what I thought of…) of all the teas I’ve tried. This was the best investment of my time.
The cat gets blamed for everything that goes wrong in my house…. ;))
I see. You are like my hubby. Whatever happens I’m responsible one. Kids got sick, bad grades, bad groceries, etc.
poor kitty
Lol. Love this review : -) you deserve your best teas all the time. And yay for awesome spreadsheet!
LOVE this note. Now I need to get some
What a great way to express how you felt while drinking this tea. I see that you are in Canada also. Where do you order your teas? Do you pay high shipping fees. Waiting to hear from you, I’m in Ottawa and used to work in Portage-la-Prairie for 4 yrs.
Hi Helene – I order tea from all over the world. Online shopping makes it possible to get almost anything from almost anywhere. There are tons of amazing tea vendors out there. Shipping can be very expensive or it can be free, depends on where you order from and how much you order.
What types of teas are you interested in? China blacks? Japanese green? Taiwan oolongs? Fun flavors? If you let me know what you are interested in, I might be able to recommend a vendor for you or point you to a forum thread on the subject. :))
I finally updates my cupboard. At the moment I have teas from TeaVivre. I received one box of tea samples from Tea Sparrow. Was expensive and I did not order another one. Then I order a box of tea samples from Amoda and did not renew. I find these monthly boxes get expensive. I like white, green, my family likes flavour teas. I am starting to drink black. Not a big fan because I love coffee. Do you know of any monthly box companies in Canada that are worth buying? Maybe you like the price of Amoda or Tea Sparrow. I think it’s expensive but I might be wrong. I will receive samples from TeaVivre soon. I like the quality of their teas. I want to explore more companies that does not charge us to much for shipping in Canada. Waiting to hear from you. Thanks in advance.
I think all subscription boxes are expensive, and then you end up with tea that isn’t your style. I would much prefer to order samples and try tea on my own – but that’s just me.
Teavivre is awesome, glad you found them. I would also check out Tealux:
http://www.tealux.ca/
Really nice straight teas – nice quality, reasonably priced, flat shipping $7.50 under 60.00 or free over 60.00. I find their flavored tea hit or miss, but the straight ones are really good.
Capital Tea Ltd.
http://www.capitaltea.com/shop/home.php?cat=6
Free shipping over 49.00 and they sell all their teas in 20g sample sizes. Great way to try a bunch for a little cost.
Camellia Sinensis:
http://camellia-sinensis.com/en/tea-store
Their tea is more expensive – more high end, but amazing. Free shipping over 50.00
Those three are Canadian Companies, that I really like.
I also LOVE, LOVE, LOVE – favorite source of pu’erh – but nice oolong and teaware. Mandala:
https://shopmandalatea.com/
Shipping is 9.00 flat to Canada – they are out of Minnesota – my favorite tea store.
That should get you started – if you would like more info, please follow me and shoot me a PM.
Dexter: I will have a look at the different sites and will probably place an order soon. This whole tea experience is addictive. I prefer to pay a bit more for more high end tea. At the moment I have the budget because I saved. I am following you. If I have more questions I will send you a PM. Thanks for the help and great info. I think my saved money might dissolved soon in a cup of tea :)
The best advice I can give you is SMALL Samples – try lots of different teas, by swapping or buying samples. As you explores your tastes will change, you’ll find tea you like better, don’t buy large quantities until you know for sure what you LOVE and what you don’t. :))
I’ll echo Dexter here. Small samples! Or you’ll end up with 250+ teas way faster than you think possible, kinda like we have. :)
When you say buy small samples you mean the smaller pack of a tea. Per example a White Tea on Mandala is $8 for 1 ounce. Is that what you call a sample? If so that it not cheap if I want to try a lot of samples.
White tea is expensive and Mandala is high end. Tealux has 1oz/25g white teas from $4.50. The only straight white at Davids is 14.50/50g – smallest amount you can buy online….
Usually is anywhete from 10-25g as the smallest size. Sometimes you can get < 10. Some companies sell these as intro packets is Mandalas is listed under sale items and right now it is only for shou but it is $9 Canadian including shipping for Canadians https://shopmandalatea.com/sale-items/ripe-puerh-sampler-pack.html, Verdant has a 5 for 5 deal that is 11 for us. Sometimes you have to search for sizes ie at Capital tea Ltd. The default size is 100g but when you click on this a menu comes up with available sizes. Prices from under 2 and up for the sample depending on the company and the tea.
I guess I have expensive taste because I like White Tea. At least I know now how to order tea online. Now I’ll have to chose a company and start from there.
Helene Tao Tea leaf had 5g samples some under 2$ for white tea.
http://www.taotealeaf.com/white/
I might order some, great price on white teas. Hopefully they are good.
I’ve only had some of his blacks but they so far have been really good!
5g will not last long :)
Side-by-side comparison with Ai Lao Mountain Black Spring 2014 by Yunnan Sourcing
I remembered that at one point, boychik had mentioned that she’d like to see a side-by-side comparison of this tea and Ai Lao Mountain Black, so I thought why not? The Ai Lao was a single-serving sample, so I figured it’s now or never!
Visually, these two are nearly identical. The leaves are nearly black and they remind me of a smaller version of the “spider leg” Taiwanese Assam leaves. Same size leaves in both of these teas. I can’t comment on the dry scent, because my Ai Lao Mountain was in a zipper baggie and therefore lost most of its smell. Oh well! I brewed both teas in identical cups with identical infuser baskets. It was a 3 minute steep at 200 degrees with 3 grams of each tea (my sample of Ai Lao was 3 grams so I used the whole thing and matched the weight for Ailaoshan).
First, the smell-off! I found that both teas had strong dried fruit notes, but Ailaoshan’s were dark, syrupy fruits such as raisin, prune, and cherry, while Ai Lao had a lighter dried fruit profile (raisin still maybe, but paired with fig or golden raisin). Both teas had a strong molasses aroma, and an interesting herbal or spice hint that I couldn’t quite place. The biggest differences I noticed between the two: Ai Lao had a little wisp of floral dancing around which was absent from Ailaoshan. In contrast, Ailaoshan had an obvious dark caramelized sugar scent that was divine! So far, pretty similar but each with its own flair.
On to the taste-off! There is also similarity here: both teas have a nice bready quality, although I would say it’s stronger in Ailaoshan. Also, both teas have strong molasses-ish rich flavor and that same dastardly unidentified herb/spice note! Does it bother anyone else when they can’t identify a flavor? Harumph! Both are fruity teas, but in quite different ways. The Ai Lao has a tangier dried fruit flavor – think prunes, maybe with a bit of something tangier, like tamarind maybe? Meanwhile, Ailaoshan has a much sweeter, almost jammy cherry and blackberry flavor, which was a surprise to me considering the aroma! Just like the aroma, the Ai Lao has a (fairly strong) floral element, which unfortunately translates into a slightly soapy aftertaste for me. Ailaoshan retains that lovely dark caramelized sugar that I noticed in scent form, and it goes very nicely with the dark bread notes and the fruit. I noticed as Ailaoshan cooled, it developed a woody taste that was not at all unpleasant. The Ai Lao tastes almost the same cool as it did hot, maybe with a bit more of that soapiness at the end.
In conclusion… These two teas are far more different in flavor than I would expect. Yes, they have several similar notes, but the ones that are different affect those similar notes in a way that makes them taste dissimilar in the end. I would almost describe these as being the corporeal and the ethereal form of the same tea. The Ailaoshan Black would be the corporeal version, with its earthier dark sugar, wood, and dark bread flavors. Therefore, the Ai Lao Mountain becomes its ethereal counterpart, with its lighter and whimsical floral element combined with the mild tang of the fruits.
Hah, that probably makes no sense, but I’m sticking with it! Overall, my preference is for the Ailaoshan Black, but considering I’m not a fan of floral, I consider myself to be biased in that regard. :P
Flavors: Blackberry, Bread, Brown Sugar, Burnt Sugar, Cherry, Herbs, Jam, Molasses, Wood
Preparation
“Does it bother anyone else when they can’t identify a flavor?” – this is me, every day.
This is really helpful, I’m not a fan of florals either.
I always have a hard time with spices. I guess I need to spend some time smelling and eating different ones! :P
I had fun doing it. I think this is the first time I’ve done a side-by-side. Good idea, boychik! :P
im full of ideas, haha
Great review. And thank you for naming the aftertaste that I detest in floral teas – soapiness! :)
Great note! I love head to head reviews. They’re so helpful!
It has been months since I first tried this shu sample from boychik, but I have been thinking about it a lot lately, and remembering it as one of the best shu puerhs I’ve ever had. I only have a couple of servings left but I had to have some today to see if it is as good as I remember it…and also to ask if ANYONE knows how I can get more of this cake? I’ve searched online and I guess it is sold out. Sadness!
I know there will always be new puerhs to try and fall in love with though, maybe someday ones even better than this one.
I am only on steep #1 right now but it is all velvety smoothness and cocoa richness…ahhhhh :)
I’m so glad you still like it. I’ll pm you later
Have you purchased cakes from Aliexpress? You need to be careful of the sellers and look out for fake products. I did not purchase mine here but this particular seller has been a good one for me in the past and they still list the 100 Year Revolution shu on their site (although I notice the price has definitely increased).
http://www.aliexpress.com/store/product/8-PU-er-tea-memorial-tea-puer-cooked-tea-101-357g/1017561_1585655214.html
http://www.aliexpress.com/item/PU-er-cooked-tea-memorial-tea-101-tea-cake-357g/867260557.html
This is where I got mine .
Thank you both! :)
Boychik’s seller offers a great price. If the tag on the back is authentic, definitely go for this one!
Looks authentic to me. But what do I know. I heard they are very creative with tags
Ada on the site boychick posted is agood seller. I would just email her and make sure she can get this at the same price as it has jumped since we bought it. She always has the real stuff in what I purchased from her.
Forgot to add, if she doesn’t have it available I still know a couple of other sources.
Awesome. You guys rock!
the price is the same as i bought in Feb
The Jabber Wocks…it’s 5am, and I’ve got nothing else to say…except that this cup, twas brillig. That’s all. And that’s enough.
(See previous note for more insight)
The Jabber has become a necessitea
Crap…yep…another one…like I said the first time we drank it remember? Gonna fix myself another cup…and might have to get more cause I’m running low!!!
It’s a total necessitea! (that’s cute, MzPriss:) )
Also, good morning! New snaily pic: https://www.facebook.com/425528437562422/photos/pcb.628819440566653/628819313899999/?type=1&theater
Morning mj :-)
Awwww! Loooove!!!! Omg. For real.
1 T + 8oz X 3/5 min
I still haven’t done a gongfu steepings with this tea yet, & I really should.
(Sars, I’m going to buy that damn yixing I wanted for smoky teas now. I blame you. hahaha)
Anyway, it’s very tasty, in a pine & brown sugar kind of way, not overly smokey, but delicious. I’m drinking it plain, but I happen to know for a fact that a little Maple syrup turns this one into a wonderful dessert.
Terri – I ordered this one this morning:
http://yunnansourcing.com/en/qin-zhou-pottery/3019-qin-zhou-teapot-engraved-leaves-180ml.html
Who meeeeee? Lookie here… I asked YOU for a link for teaware. I can’t help it that you kept on going :p
MzPriss, the pot is gorgeous. I keep saying myself I don’t need it(. The only excuse I need 100ml or smaller)
MzPriss, that’s my favorite one from their new collection. SO jealous!
Priss, that is Beautiful!
I ordered this one, which I’ve been drooling over for weeks
http://camellia-sinensis.com/en/teapot/theiere-de-mme-sheng-sg-26
Sars ;)
Both of your new teapots are so lovely! Eeeee!!! Teawares!!
OMG!!! Those are both BEAUTIFUL!!!!
And the one Terri got also comes in a round, fat – pumpkin style… whimper…
http://camellia-sinensis.com/en/teapot/theiere-de-mme-sheng-sg-1
Yeah, that roundish one is really cute too. I picked mine cuz I like the simple designs on the lid, & I already have several round teapots, so I liked the different shape.
Terri, I saw that pot few weeks ago. Gorgeous !
mustnotstartbuyingteawaremustnotstartbuyingteaware
:)
Those tea pots are all so cute!
OMG those black pots. * Restrains self *
I know priss…I know!
Terri, if you have an overabundance of this tea and don’t want it all the badly, I will buy it from you…it’s my favorite tea ever I think. lol
Brendan…maybe we’ll do a trade?
I like that idea! :) I’ll send you a message!
A few weeks ago, I was invited to a friends birthday party…I brought this tea among others for her to try.
I bought a cute little tea pot for her cause she just started drinking tea. Everyone had to try to come up with the most creative idea to wrap her gifts. My wrapping won, here’s a fun pic of what it looked like:
http://instagram.com/p/rXbVauQh-r/
When she saw this tea, she said the same thing as I always do (Mandy, close your eyes): Spider legs.
http://instagram.com/p/rXvsgEQhw7/
Beautiful long strands of yummy goodness.
She’s not used to this type of straight tea, but she was blown away by it. She said it tasted like baked goods and honey! I praised her for that :-)
It also tastes very fruity to me, like raisins with some kind of boozy notes. (And yes Stacy if you read this, I will submit that!)
Having this tea in the Gaiwan is the best way possible IMHO. I like to brew it “Fairy Style”. But since I have quite a few yixing pots coming my way, I am thinking of dedicating one just for my beloved PTA and TWMB! Cause why shouln’t they have their own brewing vessels?
They certainly deserve it!
WOW that vegetable wrapping is amazing! I love the radish and grape rosette. And I can’t wait to try this tea, I’m supposed to get my order tomorrow! :D
And I love the “spider leg” teas… They remind me of the branches of some dark and ancient gnarled tree. :3
Cameron, this tea is REALLY special! So fragrant… And the veggie wrapping was a lot of fun to do :-)
You’re so right about the ancient gnarled tree :-)
veggie wrap? WOW!
How are you so good at EVERYTHING? lol Nice pics, as usual!
“quite a few yixing pots”…
Just when I think you can’t get any cuter, you wrap a gift. :p
Missy…dunno what hou mean.
Sarsy, eating the grapes was part of the unwrapping :-)
Mj, you should try that some day, the person’s face who you give it to is just priceless :-)
Stephanie, all I needed was fresh produces some toothpicks and a glue gun!
“quite a few yixing pots”… I have failed miserably at my duties. :((
OMG! Don’t beat yourself over this…dex, if it weren’t from you, things would be so much more out of control!!!
(I may have done “things” since yesterday though)
She didn’t do it alone * blushes *
(shaking my head and heading back to my corner to play with my spread sheet – I’m going to be good and not buy more stuff…)
Dexter, i got help from an outsider too, a yixing guru. Oops. i think I may have forgotten to tell you about him.
Yixing guru? Can he/she tell me if my mystery pot is safe to drink out of? I see a whole collection of them in your future ;)
Lol, send me a picture again. Will ask him. Dunno if he can tell from a picture though :-/
Dexter, I’m not guru, but I want to see a pic. I’m quite obsessed with yixing lately
The veggie/fruit wrap is priceless. You are so creative.
Boychick
I have this set from Teavivre…
http://s1308.photobucket.com/user/Dexter3657/media/5233884c-3414-40aa-a60f-c5669f922a88_zps0cdbac01.jpg.html?sort=2&o=5
I have this one from Camellia Sinensis:
http://s1308.photobucket.com/user/Dexter3657/media/SpecialDarkPot1_zps46ba2ef9.jpg.html?sort=2&o=37
This one from Mandala:
http://s1308.photobucket.com/user/Dexter3657/media/mandalaPot_zpsc586f652.jpg.html?sort=2&o=39
This one from Mandala:
http://s1308.photobucket.com/user/Dexter3657/media/IMG_2833_zpsac226e36.jpg.html?sort=2&o=47
And this one that I bought locally and I’m not sure if it’s real or not….
http://s1308.photobucket.com/user/Dexter3657/media/IMG_27791_zpsc83eabc3.jpg.html?sort=2&o=41
Fairy – I’ll take some better photos and the stamp on the bottom and send them to you some day soon. I agree not sure how you tell from a photo…
I was must gonna say that, thanks.
And thanks boychik…my imagination runs wild sometimes :-o
Dexter, I think it’s safe, it’s looks like purple clay, no weird color. Again I dunno. it looks big. What about smell, sound?
My Camellia one is HUGE – but I seasoned it with Special Dark so that’s ok.
The one in question is about 200 ml. It looks ok, and smells ok to me. The clerk at the store wouldn’t commit to anything other than “clay” – but there was a language barrier. I know it’s not that well made – the lid doesn’t fit completely tight – can’t stop the pour buy blocking the hole in the lid.
It was cute, I was having a bad day – needed some shopping therapy, and I was just excited to have found one locally – so I bought it…
I have 2 new yixing en route…
I love my tiny teapots!
Dexter, I’m more concern with quality of clay than craftsmanship. It’s ok if lid is not tight, doesn’t effect
I understand that it’s the quality of clay that’s a concern – but I’m thinking crap craftsmanship = crap clay… maybe…? I’m not sure what I’m going to do with it yet – it’s cute – it sits on a book case… maybe one day I’ll season it and see if it tastes funny…
Dexter, don’t forget to send me the pics. Try to also take a pics of the inside, it can tell a lot. Also, don’t wait too long, i might not be in contact with yixing guru eternally :-) he was so nice with me, I’m sure he might be able to tell us something if the pictures are clear enough.
I have a big problem with this tea. It just keeps resteeping and giving me more cups. Well actually I guess that’s not a problem. But I’m sort of ready to do something else!
In other news, textbooks are expensive. Crazy expensive.
In other other news, my husband figured out that I love another. I suppose it was obvious, the evidence is all over me. And I keep meeting him in the bedroom for some heavy petting. The way he gazes into my eyes makes me so happy, and I have only known him for two months. Hearing him snoring next to me is the happiest sound ever. All I have to do is make a little tongue clicking sound and he comes running, just like a dog. And if I stop paying attention to him, he headbutts me to remind me that he is there.
http://imgur.com/a/Og5b3#5
Awwhhh adorable! He’s so cute! ^^ I love how so many people on here have dogs and cats. Least I’ve seen from their Instagrams. It’s awesome! People who own pets make me really happy! (:
I was really, really resistant to getting another pet, but I can’t begin to tell you how great this cat is. He has all of his claws, but is super conscious about never using them on us. Even sometimes when he gets frisky and wants to play it’s like he is consciously gentle. Zero hairballs. Zero accidents. He doesn’t even get underfoot and trip us. He comes like a dog when you call him, and even leaves the room when you tell him to (like when we go to bed at night). My heart hurts to think what might have happened if he hadn’t been adopted.
He does this adorable thing with his paws when we pet him. https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?v=10202338952499958&set=vb.1376432936&type=3&theater
He is a beautiful cat! And yes, textbooks are crazy expensive!! Campus bookstore bad. Half.com good
Oh I’m looking all over. But the Chem ones don’t seem to be available anywhere but the bookstore, unfortunately.
What a cute kitty! :)
Good luck! I hope you can find a deal :)
Did you try ABE for textbooks? It was the only place I could find a couple of mine. Also Amazon rents some textbooks which is absolutely wonderful.
Yeah, I’m actually pretty savvy at the online book thing (I own an online bookstore).
He’s so cute! I feel that way about our male cat. He’s a love bug. :)
Super cute! Textbooks are definitely expensive. I was very happy when one of my physics profs ordered only the section of the book that applied yo the course vs the whole text and saved us about $65.00.
My daughters chemistry materials are gong to be around $500 for one class.
That is insane! What are they making you buy beyond the text and goggles?
That is crazy!
I left it downstairs, it looks like 4 different books.
Wow, I guess I could see it happening if their is a Lab book, the text and maybe an additional workbook. But, I have a Bio degree and have taken Engineering courses and I think the most I have spent on books and materials is $200.00 on a single course. Hope you can find some of the other books used.
School text books are such a rip off! ugh!!! Love your kitteh ;)
Science textbooks are the worst for prices – I remember it very very well. I truly believe they artificially inflate the price just to make the whole college experience even more impossible. And the reality is, no way she will get 500 bucks use out of them, but they are necessary enough that you can’t just do without.
Her bio textbook I found for $65 :)
I think this tea is next on my WP list. It sounds just dreamy.
Good luck on the book buying. Ugh.
and ooh me gorsh KITTEH!!! Such a cutie! I love how happy you are with him, and that he seems just as happy with you. I love the paw thingy. One of ours does that as well and it’s just sooooo cute!!! (Of course, if she’s so happy she’s doing the paw thing, she’s also droooooooooling all over the place.)
Holy cow, I expected this one to be good but I didn’t expect to be this blown away! WOW!!!!
Seriously best apple tea I’ve ever had. The oolong is PERFECT with it. (note that I am not even a huge oolong fangirl or anything.) I wish I could find the words to describe it…but this is one of those teas that makes us think Stacy is some kind of wizard or something. It’s like the tanginess of the oolong aligns perfectly with the bite that a sweet but also tart apple would have, you know? The caramel is present but not overwhelming and certainly not fakey at ALL. I added no sugar and I’m sure it would elevate this to a dessert worthy treat, though I am perfectly happy without added sugar.
MAGNIFICENT!
JEALOUS! Lol. I’m happy that it’s amazing, because I ordered some!
Is it a greener or oxidized oolong?
I think it leans toward the oxidized, Marzipan, BUT it is a LEAFHOPPER oolong! So, totally unique. I tried it for the first time plain recently too :)
Oh yummy.
I’m so glad you enjoy this one! I love how this oolong gives the flavor a baked apple flavor. :)
Yum!
whoa, I think I need to try it!
enjoying my night cup of tea
usual gongfu method
leather, cedar, prunes. very rich, dark, calming
So happy I restock this tea on Mandala’s recent legendary sale.
Preparation
Sounds wonderful.
Oh, I just love this one! Very rich and leathery…
re the leather word, I went to look at my tasting note for this tea – see what I said about it, and I’ve never written one. I don’t think I’ve had this one? Is that possible? (it’s not in my cupboard, and I’ve never logged it…weird) Really happy that you both love it. :))
Steepster eats my notes sometimes. but do you actually have it?
That’s what Phatty cake is made of dexter…I’ll put some in your box.
I"m actually really confused. I don’t actually have any right now, but I don’t think it’s possible that I’ve never tried this. I went looking for a tasting note and couldn’t find any indication that this has ever been in my cupboard. Weird. Fairy it’s fine, you really don’t have to. I’m just really confused….
Dexter, i think you should try it. 1 tablespoon won’t ruin your numbers
It’s not the 1 tbsp it’s the “I’ll put it in your box” that concerns me. :))
Haha! The box is almost empty, don’t you worry ;-)
LOL ok. I have some stuff here for you, but was going to wait and include it with the YS once it gets here. :))
Never underestimate the power of kindness…I know it doesn’t show much here, but I’ve been struggling with lots of serious issues for over a year now. I had an appointment I wasn’t looking forward to this morning, but I still went cause well, I don’t have much of a choice.
I showed discouragement in front of the person I was seeing…He told me not to worry, and this:
«Moonlight drowns out all but the brightest stars».
Just a few words, but one of the nicest thing anyone has ever told me…it gave me hope and made me feel special.
Just sharing as a reminder of how important it is to show kindness whenever we can…it’s easy and makes someone’s day look brighter in no time :-)
When I got home, I opened Steepster and had this tea cause someone else was having it and I really love it.
It’s my “cream of mushroom” pu’erh. Yes, big notes of cream and mushrooms.
It provides such a sweet and silky mouthfeel.
Just as I wrote in previous review, it has very distinct taste of turnips. The person who made me think of having this tea said they found ginger. I admit I never would have found ginger on my own, but by being aware of it, I searched for it and found it at the fourth steep. It is a little spicy in that way. Could be the power of suggestion, but I thought it was amusing to experiment.
It’s so very smooth, it’s like velvet for the mouth.
Thank you Mandala for another excellent shou…
I have noticed that lots of pu’erh lovers have a preference between the two. As I’ve been diving into the world of pu’erh, I ask this question: Is it possible to be both a shou and a sheng girl?
Cause as far as I’m concern, I just love them equally!
Pic of the day, Temple Stairs session:
Hug
<3
I just ordered their new $5 sampler, but I don’t think this one is included. Although there is one called Year of the Dragon that sounds right up my alley and I’ve never seen anyone review in on Steepster. Interesting!
And you’re one of the kindest people around, so I hope you get kindness in return on a regular basis! <3
Hugs
Oh, TTF. Hugs! You shine so brightly, there’s no chance of you being drowned out by any moon!
Have I told you I love your pot? It matches to the shou. Perfect combo;)
I love y’all <3
Lol, can’ remember if I have year of the dragon cameron, will have to check. But sounds food to me! I can’t wait to read what you have to say about Mandala’s eas :-)
And boychick, I just adore the pot, thank you!!!
Don’t be silly mj, TeaFairy is totally the moon! :P
Lol, something wrong with that comment “s eas”? What the hell did I mean? All I wanted to say is thanks and I love y’all!
Awww, you guys…. <3
I see where you’re coming from, but I have to disagree Cameron B. TeaFairy shines with her own light rather than just reflecting the light of another :-P
(Yes, I took it there. I couldn’t help myself. This is why people don’t like hanging out with scientists.)
Nah, moon is cold and lifeless, she is hot and explosive
AWWW YEAH? WELL… THEN SHE’S THE SUN! SO THERE! ;)
(Hiding in a corner, watching the battle)
Cameron, forgot to mention, i love your new pic, and your as cute as a button.
Not fighting. Me fighting? North Star. You can always find your way out with it when you lost.
Cameron is very cute. I told her already. For some reason I had a different image of you. I like the original
And I do live up north :-)
If she’s the sun, she’s still a star :-P. We’re both right?
Hugs and thanks for people who seem to know exactly what we need and when we need it. I’m sorry for you struggles but I’m glad you have a supportive person helping you through it.
Your light will never be dim as long as you allow it to shine.
Yyz, mrmopar…all of you, thank you, I just adore this place <3
Hugs! And just so you know, reading your words brightens my day as well! :)
Thank you so much Caile :-)
How sweet <3 And this tea is wonderful. Also I always enjoy your photos :)
25 Likes + 26 Comments = a whole lot of <3!
Stephanie, what great compliment coming from the wonderful artist that you are :-)
LooseTman, I’m overwhelmed with <3
This was sent to me by the generous MzPriss. It wasn’t even a swap, she just sent it out of the kindness of her heart, aww… Sorry it took me so long to try it! :P It’s been a while since I had one of these giant golden fuzzbud (™?) Yunnans. This tea is composed entirely of huge, fat, golden buds that are super fuzzy. Dry scent is very sweet with a ton of honey and apricot and a little hint of cinnamon. The recommended steep was 1 minute but I found it too light for my tastes and let it go for an extra minute.
Mm, it smells like pastry with honey and golden raisins! The taste… Definitely a lot of fluffy, buttery pastry. There’s an inherent creaminess that, combined with the slight grain note, reminds me of soy milk. I also get a very mild sweet potato flavor, definitely with a little bit of butter and honey mixed in. I’m actually a little bit sad that I don’t get that interesting cinnamon scent in the taste… I did a second steep at 4 minutes and it came out very similar to the first with a little bit of a stronger grain note.
Overall, yes this tea is good. However, the price is way too steep in my opinion. I have had very similar teas from Yunnan Sourcing, and they have several other fuzzbud™ Yunnan teas that I haven’t tried yet. And the price is less than half of this tea! So it seems a bit excessive to me, but to each their own. :P
Flavors: Butter, Creamy, Honey, Pastries, Sweet Potatoes
Preparation
Fuzzbud… I love it! And you are right about the yumminess of the Yunnan fuzzbud genre :)
Yeah, I really need to make a Yunnan Sourcing order… Eventually… XD
I checked this current sale only on their own YS puerh:(. I got too excited because I wanted to get wild purple ye sheng Dehong. Next time then
I’ve never made any orders from YS. What teas of theirs are similar to GF here?
Christina, the two that I’ve had are the Imperial Gold Needle and Imperial Mojiang Gold Bud. They have a couple other pure bud varieties if you look under Yunnan Black Teas. I actually find Tan Yang from Teavivre tastes very pastry-like if you steep it for 2 minutes also. :)
Also the Jinggu Golden Strand from YS
Stephanie, when I do make an order, I will try all of the fuzzbuds™! :D
Awesome guys, thanks! I’ve added those to my wishlist so I won’t forget them. I really hope they have a sale at the beginning of September, when I plan to break my tea purchasing hiatus.
First gongfu session of the day, this savory Jin Jun Mei the Charlotte Zero sent to me awhile back is doing the trick. It starts out like whole wheat honey toast, later taking on a peppery quality & a linen mouth. This is a tea Verdant use to offer, which I hoarded for awhile, & then finally reluctantly drank the last of it. It was a real treat when Charlotte sent me the rest of hers, & I have enough to drink it one more time.
Gratefully, I’ve discovered that Yunnan Sourcing carries a couple of different Jin Jun Mei’s, & they are excellent, so I am saved! :)
I am really determined to be a pu person. It reminds me a lot of when I started drinking wine, and I thought the Moscatos and Masvasias were the end-all, be-all of wines. Then as I got further along my wine spectrum, I started appreciating the heartier, heavier ones that tasted awful to me at the beginning. Instinct tells me that that will happen with tea too, and I’m pushing ahead to get there.
So, this tea. I used all of the envelope, because it looked like a single serving. Now I know it was probably WAY overleafed, which explains a lot. It was crazy dark. I didn’t even let it steep, because as soon as I put the water in, it was dark like tobacco juice (ever have a grasshopper spit on you?)
I remember back when I was just getting weaned from tea bags, the thought of a tea tasting like sweet potatoes made me go “yeah, right” – and now I drink teas like that just about daily. So I was a bit “yeah right”-y about the whole leather, barnyard, tobacco, etc. profile. But it’s there. No fishy smell or flavor, which was nice.
Anyway, I drank it until I gave out. It didn’t. So I set the gaiwan in the fridge and will play with it again today.
The funny part was, my 18-year-old daughter came by and tried it, and liked it right away.
Hey, don’t hate on the Moscatos! ;)
(I’m not a wine person but I like those, lol…)
Still like those too!
Did you use the parameters from TeaVivre’s website? I still need to try my sample of this. :D
I looked but didn’t see any, here or there. So I was just winging it. Maybe I just missed them.
Hah, that’s awesome. You’re right, this one doesn’t have ant instructions on their website. I guess I’ll wing it too later. :P
If I could go back, I would use half of what I used.
I can usually get two or three servings out of their little sample pouches, so that sounds about right.
I thought the typically excepted method was 1g:1oz? How much water did you use? If you used a cup then the amount should have been about right. Rinse a couple times, and then ~20 sec infusions is what I did
Puerhs are kind of hard to measure!
..and when you think it’s aaaalll done. throw the rest in to a cold brew overnight :)
And you need scale! Once you get it you will wonder how you lived without it. Same goes for variable temp kettle
I have a scale and a variable temp, but couldn’t find any brewing parameters for this one. Nothing on the package, their site, or here.
Usually 1g for 1oz
This one I use 10g for 4-5 oz because its nuggets
http://yunnansourcing.com/en/ripepu-erh/2680-yong-de-lao-cha-tou-ripe-pu-erh-tea-nuggets.html
I like 5-7g for 4-5oz
Have you seen Brenden of WP started a new thread today abt gongfu puer? Very informative
I second the scale as puerh can vary a lot. What looks like 10 grams could be 15. I would get one with a “tare” function so you can put the leaf directly in the brewing vessel.
I got this in my last order with Mandala tea. I’m not sure why I waited so long to purchase some… maybe because I haven’t been drinking many green oolongs in the past few years.
This is so nice! It definitely has a buttery flavor and also has notes of coconut, amazing! When it’s sitting on my desk I feel like it has an aroma of buttered popcorn. Definitely exceeded my expectations and then some. Not fakey like some milk oolongs I’ve tried. This is definitely a tasty tea that seems to help relax me. I guess I need to relax right now, My life feels like a chaotic mess and I’m not sure what to do about it. Thinking about making a career change is hard. I think it’s time to slow down and have a tea break :)
Sorry for the short-ish note but I’m trying to do some productive things today instead of spending too much time on the internet. Wish me luck. :)
Preparation
backlog from yesterday. I was having issues with tasting some of the teas i tried in the morning, so i just reverted back to my old standby. As always, it didn’t let me down. Added a little cacao to this for an extra chocolatey experience and it was fantastic.
However things you probably shouldn’t do when you’re sicka dn on that line between getting more sick and getting better? spend the day at a friends gaming lol I’m more sick today but hopefully i can relax for the day since it’s a holiday here in canada and be ready to roll tomorrow. especially since i’m travelling next week for work and need to be functional!
I hope you have a good holiday and get some rest. Feel better! :)
Happy Simcoe day ( though I’ve been told that’s more a Toronto centric appellation). Best lots of rest and I hope you feel better soon.
i call it “i get the day off and my other half has to work day” hahaha
Poor soul:). I used to have to work most holidays at my old job too. However in compensation I usually only had to work 12 days Max sometimes only seven, if I bid properly:).
Hah. I just looked it upp – wasn’t sure what “Civic Holiday” was supposed to mean except, hey it’s August and we need a long weekend somewhere!
I’m off but without pay. :P I’d rather be working!!
Cavo – E calls this “banks suck day” since we get it as an official holiday and if i had to work it, it’d be double time and a half lol
LOL – yeah bankers and gov’t employees are so lazy! :p
yep..thats me alright… slacktacular :)
My cousin has summer hours at her company where they get at least a half day up to a full day off on Friday. I thought that was nice until I heard of a company that puts her staff on summer sabbatical for close to two months.
:P Yeah, you’re the exception?
Ohhhhh, that explains it. I finally tried this one over the weekend. I didn’t know what it was but that something in the blend didn’t agree with me. It is icky icky rooibos! My archnemesis!!! Sorry Marzipan and thanks for the sample. I’ve got a couple of cups left, if anyone would like them.
This is one I’d like to try, if you want to share. Let me know if I have anything in my cupboard that interests you. (I do think that Brenden has eliminated rooibos from this blend now, but originally it was there.)
I have the “new” version which is sans rooibos, if either of you want to try that. :)
I’ll totally send it to you, Cheri! Let me know if anything else in my cupboard appeals to you. I’ve got a couple of things on your wish list I could send along, too. PM me! :)
Thanks!
No wonder I wasn’t a fan! I hate that both of those that I bought not so long ago already have new and improved versions. I mean it’s good that they do, but …you know.
Yeah, darned rooibos! Bleh.
Rooibos haters of the world, unite!
Improvements are a non-stop thing! I’ve given up entirely on the concept of “finishing” a blend. ;-)
Well, SOME people actually do like rooibos, from what I understand, heh.
Poo – bios
(I kinda like it. Shh. Don’t tell.)
I don’t mind it. I guess I can take it or leave it
I was just gonna sit with this tea , enjoy it and be happy.
But it has put a spell on me and I feel compelled to write another review.
Ever since I’ve been using my Vanilla Dream yixing pot, this tea keeps getting better and better. Having this gives me the same warming feeling a good quality sheng does. Yes, it’s as rewarding. Any sceptical tea purists in the house? Well let me tell you how much you are missing on if you’re a non believer. This tea is a “whoa” inducer, goes straight to your senses.
This blend is innovative and completely unique. It almost creates a new flavour that doesn’t exist, making it almost impossible to describe. Sweet, savoury, salty, spicy, but not quite umami. The vanilla bean renders a rich and heavy mouthfeel. To make things even more complex, a fresh eucalyptus finish emerges at the end of the sip…mix that with the minerals of the clay pot, and you get a taste that lingers in the mouth forever, just like any good oolong or sheng pu’erh would. Complexity at its best…
Although I don’t drink much heavy liquor, I would compare Port to a fine aged whisky…something you can’t put a price on cause every time you drink it, you feel lucky you got the chance to experience such a gem.
The vanilla yixing makes all those Vanilla Dreams teas so much better and they are already amazing to start with. I’m not having vanilla this morning (yet) I’m having an excellent post-Dark Beauty cup of Jabberwocky
Great review! It made me think of this song haha
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PwXai-sgM-s
The Jabber really “wocks” missy, as I like to say :-)
Lol, Mj, good call and thanks, and I always loooved that song!! Have you ever heard the Nina Simone’s version?
O. M. G.
Nina Simone is just amazing! I love her so!!!!!!!
That’s right sarsy, Nina simone is a queen and I worship her…
Just one more reason that you’re so awesome… The list keeps growing…
I will have port one of these days. Brenden recommended I not go for port just yet, and thought I’d like cocoa amore better (LOVE IT!) although I did decide to go with jabberwocky this morning when I was debating between the two.
Sars, I love that one.
There’s an amazing remix with Nina’s vocals and an upbeat track. It’s amazeballs. I couldn’t find it on the YouTube. :(
OMGeeee! Found it!!!
http://val.fm/feeling-good-joe-claussell-remix-nina-simone-mp3/
I’d never heard of Nina Simone before today. Thanks for introducing me, ladies :)
No picture today!
Cheri, I think I understand why Brenden told you to start with some other VD tea. It’s so different from any other tea I have ever tried, it kind of surprised me the first time I had it.
And yo, cocoa amore!!!
The remix is awesome Sarsy, thanks for sharing!
Mj, So happy this made you discover Nina!Sinnerman is the most popular remix I think…it played in movies and commercials, maybe you’ve heard it without even knowing it was her voice…
Lol, Christeana, I thought I’d give you a break of my pics. But I drank some amazing tea this morning and will review with pics later :-)
Watching the Cardinals play the Brewers from the couch.
Currently 3 – 2, Cards leading.
Nothing like tasty tea & baseball on a Sunday afternoon.
I love lazy Sunday afternoons. I’ve been just hanging out on the couch, drinking tea and browsing Steepster while watching random movies on TV. Lazy is the best kind of afternoon! :D
Yes it is!
I’ve been drooling over yixings again…I have one in my shopping cart, to be dedicated to Dian Hongs, most likely…but their system is being updated, so I can’t place my order until tomorrow….lol
Terri are you getting the one on sale @Teavivre? I got one and so did TeaFairy. It’s so cute
Yum, I need a Dian Hong pot, too. They tend to be my favorites, especially the bud variety. :D
<3 Dian Hong
no, I’ve been drooling over this one for awhile
http://www.aliexpress.com/item/Original-MingTao-FlatXishi-All-Handmade-Ceramic-Purple-Clay-ZISHA-Yixing-Teapot-Tea-Pot-Set-Chinese-Gifts/1476908509.html
I wanted one that was different from the other 3 I have :)
OMG that is gorgeous!
That site is making me naughty. * hides TeaFairy’s eyes * I like this one but it’s too big I think (so pretty):
http://www.aliexpress.com/store/product/Original-MingTao-ThreeFoot-All-Handmade-Ceramic-Purple-Clay-ZISHA-Yixing-Teapot-Tea-Pot-Set-Chinese-Gifts/346539_1477219800.html
OMG TOO LATE, I SAW, I SAW!!! Just want.
I knew you were gonna see that. I love that one Terri is getting.
Me too. Sigh.
It reminds me of really beautiful brocade fabric.
exactly! That’s why I love it!
There’s a saying that goes like this:
«In doubt, go for GO» … That’s what I did. And I did good.
Oh, and since Steepster is on an Instagram craze, here’s this morning’s big mug pic of GO
I did the same thing at your suggestion – GOOD idea!
Hehe…it always works, I never go like “oh, maybe I was in the mood for something else” when I go with GO.
Nope – that never happens to me either. I love GO the MOST along with Special Dark
I don’t know what I like best anymore, WP got me all confused!!!
Yeah it does that. But GO in my VD pot makes me hear angels singing…
Port is my guy for tiny VD pot…the smell of it makes me weak in the knees.
I know this about you. I need to bust out some Port. Maybe later today.
I followed you on instagram. I would love to send you so alishan my friend from Taiwan sent me. Right from the farm….
Oh charles, you make this very hard to resist…
Yumz!!!!
Lucky girl! I love your tasting notes, I totally want this tea now.
This tea definitely sounds like a party tea. :)
mmmm
Blodeuyn, I want ALL WP teas!!! (Lol, maybe I DO have all his teas…)
T’was delish you lovely gals!!
I need to try this ! DHP is amazing!
Yeah, I love DHP too, I don’t know why I don’t drink it more often
this is good