Started the new year on a good note!
I ordered this cake based on the great reviews and Mr. Mopar’s recommendation and
I was not disappointed.
I got mine from KingTeaMall.com as they had the best price I could find on this cake and free shipping. I’ve got to say I’m very impressed with their service; low prices, free fast shipping, photographed my order before shipping, gave a free sample, and packed very well and the cardboard box was wrapped in a tough plastic cover to waterproof it.
Back to the tea. The cake has moderate-tight compression and the leaves are very attractive with lots of golden tips. It smelled a little fishy/fermentation-y with worried me, but this did not carry over into the brewed tea.
Brews a clear red-brown, I gave it two rinses as I normally do with shou. The first infusion that I drank (the 3rd) was not impressive. It tasted kind of funky and just sort of generic “Dayi shou.” However, with each infusion it improved. Tastes of rich dark earth and rain, but also warm oatmeal and almonds. Has just a hint of dark chocolate bitterness that adds to the complexity. A nice cleanliness appeared, kind of cool and refreshing like cucumbers or cantaloupe. It is mildly sweet, but I have trouble pinning the flavor down. In the background there is a tiny hint of fruit. The best thing about this tea though is how it simultaneously has a thick creamy-ness and a clean minerality.
This is a very nice shou: it exemplifies the Dayi character but also exceeds it.
Flavors: Almond, Cantaloupe, Cucumber, Dark Chocolate, Dark Wood, Oats, Wet Earth
I love this one. There was a lot of effort by Dayi to make this one right. I have a few of these around here.
I’m glad I’m not the only one that tasted oatmeal in this, lol