Bought 10 grams of this along with some of David’s other straight blacks – my plan is to try out their varieties and see which flavour profiles I like best, and then order higher quality versions from Mandala or Teavivre.
As for this… Not sure how I feel about it. Its interesting. Don’t know if I’d bother to brew it up again any time soon but I wouldn’t reject a cup if offered. Definitely something that requires a certain mood and atmosphere.
Steeped in simmering water for 5 minutes. The taste is not bitter at all, but obviously very smoky. The dry smell reminded me of smoked salted herring and cigars, but I taste no fishyness in the liquor, thankfully. The actual taste reminds me of when I went camping with friends and we used pinecones as campfire starters – it tastes like smoke from pine and pine resin. Somewhat oily thick taste with a hint of sweetness under that smoke. Very full in the mouth.
Flavors: Ash, Pine
