Smooth, sweet and seductive. This shou is a joy to savor and enjoy. However, it did not start out that way and I almost gave up on it after the third steep. Luckily I continued because the fourth steep was magical. At the core is a solid oak flavor with delicious fruit (perhaps dark cherries) around the edges with hints of a dark bitter chocolate. The liquor is a beautiful clear dark brown with an appealing richness. Very fair price for this offering and I’m on my 9th steep and plan to try another two or three tomorrow before tossing the leaves. This was a sample included in my most recent order and I plan to pick up a cake with my next order.