Gongfu style, one steam and rinse. (steeped for a minute before rinsing allowing leaves to open up.)
Infusion 1 – 60 Seconds
The bouquet of both brewed liquor and leaves is bright and floral, with some vegetal undertones. When I had my wife smell this blind, she picked up citrus and vanilla notes. I’m getting more sweet flowers, but I can see the vanilla aspect too. The scent is strong and relaxing with 9g/150mL. One thing I noticed is that this tea is subtle enough that water source has a huge effect on the flavor profile. My first session did not have filtered water (but clean tap water) and I can tell after two sessions with fresh spring and filtered waters.
The flavor is smooth and sweet, with a little pleasant astringency making the body thicker. This feels like a good balance of leaf to water. I’m pleased with the ratio and flavor. :)
Infusion 2 – 75 Seconds
The sweetness has faded and I’m getting a nice grassy vegetal body with a little clear sweetness on the finish. The taste lingers on your tongue in a pleasant way.
Infusion 3 – 120 Seconds
The flavor has faded, it is now predominantly water with a little bit of vegetal and astringent body. I wouldn’t even bother with a 4th steeping of this tea.
The flavor is really pleasant, but I do wish the leaves themselves had more legs. The first time I brewed this I did a quick wash and didn’t steam the leaves open. I’ll try that in the next session. Not sure if I can buy this again as I only found it at one retailer in a sampler set.
