2020 Old Reliable

Sip down if it counts. I found an 8g sample packet that was in the sip down pile. It’s odd since W2T samples are usually in 25g sample sizes, unless this was from a club or randomly obtained during a free sample with a purchase.

This will be the last tea for the weekend. The time went too quickly, as it always does. It doesn’t seem to matter if I get the normal 2 days or 4 days off; it’ll move too fast, anyway. Big sigh. This isn’t the most extravagant shou I’ve had in all my life, but it’s “old reliable” for a reason. It hits in such a way that a shou ought to. It has a light earthiness which reminds me of a lightly roasted coffee or an unwashed (why anyone would eat it) mushroom. There’re the flavors one expects to enjoy in shou and learn to appreciate. The cup offers a smooth and relaxing experience. And it’s not a warming cup (thankfully, for I didn’t want to regret spending time with a tea which makes me sweat. It could help that I have the a/c on 65F, too). Either way, it’s a solid brew and I’m happy to have this 8g sipped and enjoyed for the final brew over the weekend.

You’re hiking along and kicked over a decaying log and you’re hit with the scent of fresh earth. You pick up a chunk of decaying wood and bite into it. You’re either supremely weird or related to a termite—who knows?
This one brews dark and thick. Excellent balance and incorporation of flavor, but the wood is still quite prominent. A subtle touch of warm spice gives a slight amount of intrigue, but otherwise it’s wood and wet moss.

Gongfu!

Enjoyed this session with some locally grown strawberries! This moment feels very quiet, but in a comfortable way. I think it’s largely because this is one of favourite types of pairings to do with fruit. The really thick and full bodied liquor and notes of very wet, resinous soil mixed with the bright sweetness of the berries creates this really dynamic balance of high and low notes. On top of that, there’s just something about adding an earthiness to strawberry that makes me nostalgic for helping my grandmother in her garden as a small child, and picking all sorts of different berries back home.

Tea Photos: https://www.instagram.com/p/ChhkcPNOWK4/

Song Pairing: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AMh7FPlEnSU

Don’t remember the parameters I used, probably 8g to 100 mL, but I didn’t take specific notes because I only went through a few infusions and was not impressed (disclaimer: I don’t drink a ton of shou and personally lean towards lighter profiles). Classic shou profile, the only thing I remember is a distinctly herbal note at some point. Would not repurchase.

Feel like I need to revise my original review after some additional steeps. On a side note, this is going to be my last review on Steepster until I can edit my profile. This is frankly pure unadulterated bullshit that needs to get fixed like yesterday. Trust me I’m a professional.

For some the value on this cake might diminish when you think about the additional volume required to draw out the best performance, but frankly I’m thrilled to find such a great tea and don’t mind one bit.

Some folks like to add a song to their rating so here’s one appropriate for my feelings on both this tea and Steepster in general. Adios!

Petey – Apple TV Remote
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4AVl-8Q_z4I