One of the relatively new offerings by Teavivre and as such has not been yet reviewed to death. Dianhongs are often so different with some that I positively love and some that I quite intensely dislike because their flavors cover such a huge terrain.
This one looked good as a dry leaf with nice twisted leafs and quite a few golden tips. The smell was sweet, berry-like and boozy, as if these overripe berries had been left outside in the summer heat and started fermenting.
Both the gong fu and Western style produce very similar results with one of the more common Yunnan tea profiles: some berry and honeyed sweetness which quickly transforms into a bitterness. What makes it special is a pronounced tanginess, very much like grapefruit. This grapefruit flavor has a strong staying power and lingers for a while as an aftertaste. All of the flavors are very clear and well-defined.
If you are a fan of citrus and grapefruit in particular this is the tea for you. Not sure if I personally like it – I just had a sample and it takes me longer to develop my personal preferences – but it is a quality dianhong with a defined personality.
Flavors: Blackberry, Dark Bittersweet, Grapefruit, Honey, Sweet Potatoes
