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“Marshall! Thank you! This was also very educational. If you dry the kernel inside an apricot, you can apparently eat it. When I looked up pictures all I thought about was almonds. Being that I am...” Read full tasting note
“My first sample from a new order from ORT. Mostly intrigued by their offerings, so decided to give them a try even though they are a somewhat lesser known company. This one is just okay. Overall a...” Read full tasting note
Xingrenxiang, or apricot kernel fragrance, is a classically charcoal roasted dancong that belongs to the almond fragrance family. The dry leaves are mildly oxidized and all have a sender thin twist to them. When first brewed, the wet leaves are incredibly rich vegetal umami fragrance while still being backed by toasted nut aromas. Compared to last year, this tea is more lightly roasted which lends itself to its namesake, the Apricot Kernel Fragrance, or the honey-baked almonds we see served with tea all throughout China. The session begins thick and heavy with a good deal of warm toasted notes in the brew, but midway through the session the herbal, floral, spice notes peak in a confluence of rosemary and other fragrant kitchen herbs.
As the brews continue, the light amber liquor sweetens even further with a hidden characteristic of dried apricots and rosemary. There is a thick mineral note to this tea that coats the tongue and delivers a pleasant huigan. The empty cup aroma is one of buttered toast.
This has been one of our favorite teas from the past few years, and we are excited to offer it again in the Dancong roasted sample box.
Company description not available.
Apricot Kernel
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Rishi TeaMarshall! Thank you! This was also very educational. If you dry the kernel inside an apricot, you can apparently eat it. When I looked up pictures all I thought about was almonds. Being that I am allergic to almonds I feel like I have to try to make these on my own.
Dry Appearance: Long leaves. Dark chocolate brown with some golden hints. Slightly dusty. Tightly twisted.
Dry Aroma: Dry and sweet. A bit of Vinsanto. A sweet wine by Gaia in Greece. (Btw, if you ever go to Santorini, visit the Gaia shop. It’s amazing) Also some mineral notes.
Flavor: Lots of minerality. Very fruity. Dried apricot. When infused longer the minerality really kicks in. Wet rocks.
Wet Aroma: Mix of fruit notes and raisins.
There is a slight astringency when you let it steep longer but it plays very nicely with the minerality.
My first sample from a new order from ORT. Mostly intrigued by their offerings, so decided to give them a try even though they are a somewhat lesser known company. This one is just okay. Overall a bit too watery for me, but what flavor is there is good. Definitely will finish the sample at some point.
No sweetness or bitterness. Thin, watery mouthfeel. Lasts about 8 steeps. Not incredibly complex as I would expect from a Dancong.
Harvest: Spring 2023
Cultivar: Xingrenxiang
Location: Zhuliu Village, Phoenix Mountains, Chaozhou
Dry leaf: Dried apricot
Wet leaf: Same
Taste: Dried apricot, watery, thin, fruity
Flavors: Apricot, Fruity, Thin, Watery
Oh wow I didnt even know that about the apricot kernels haha I didnt bother to look it up! That’s cool though. I thought they meant kernel as in the metaphorical “kernel” or essence of apricot haha. Let me know how it tastes if you try it!