In their 2019 line-up, BLT offered 4 different teas from Lao Man E and this is the last one I got around writing a review for. I found this one lacking a little bit. It obviously is not as good value as the huang pian ones, and it also isn’t nearly as memorable as the bitter varietal’s Bitter End Extra.
There are lots of subtle notes that only last a moment and it seems like the flavours intensify mostly after swallowing. However, I didn’t find the huigan unusually strong. The aftertaste is astringent with a lasting bitterness that is not abrasive, and a citrusy character (more of a lemon kind rather than grapefruit). Shortly after drinking, the savoury notes dominate and even though the sweetness eventually comes to turn things around, it doesn’t completely steal the show.
The cha qi is very awakening and energizing, but not aggressive in any way. There is a strong chest warming sensation for sure though, as well as a light throat-cooling one.
As for the specific notes, there are aromas of roasted peanut, clean barn, chilli, cabbage, and salt emerging from the teapot. The liquor displays a mild sourness at times and it has a back of the mouth bite almost like a TGY, but more pleasant I’d say. Other than than, flavours present include milk, dandelion, coconut water, and bran. Herbaceous bitterness and of course some sweetness are noticeable too as one would expect.
Flavors: Bitter, Char, Citrusy, Coconut, Dandelion, Herbaceous, Milk, Oats, Peanut, Roasted Nuts, Salt, Sour, Sweet, Vegetables, Vegetal
