121 Tasting Notes
Not familiar with dong ding’s. But this one must be very similar in roast level to the Korean Baked Oolong I had purchased in bulk. These leaves are more intact and there are more delicate notes to be found in here towards the later steeps, but they’re very alike in the overall comforting mood they offer. Good to learn!
song pairing: Nathan Goshen – חזרי אלי
The first impression of this wrapper was to remind me of the scribbles by Thomas Merton in Dialogues with Silence: Prayers & Drawings. There is a large difference stylistically, but an overlap in the ascetic sort of mood. So it was a surprise when it arrived to find that the dry leaf smells wonderful and friendly, an introduction offset by a sort of sternness to the body feels. An interesting tea for sure.
song pairing: Scherzo fantastique, Op. 25, ‘La ronde des lutins’ – Charlie Siem (Deluxe Edition)
Preparation
Had shaomai earlier that were so good that I kinda wanted to cry. Bought another order to go and immediately made plans to bring my favorite uncle to the restaurant. They had shiitake in them, so maybe I had mushrooms on the brain. At any rate, after a very hot and humid crowded day on NY/NJ public transit, I needed to go to a happy place. This CLT offering is just as I remember: sweet and comforting and chocolate-y and… wise. If this tea was a person she would be that saintly mother who somehow brought up 7 children without ever raising her voice.
song pairing: Amen – for KING & COUNTRY
Nicer than expected. Tea Drunk’s standard teaware was in poor shape, but the staff member was very kind and diligent about replenishing hot water in the kettle and bringing it over, making for a pretty relaxing brewing experience despite having to rinse the filter constantly. The soup was red and the scent was sweet. Was plenty tea drunk by the end.
song pairing: III. Rondo: Allegro | Clarinet Concerto in A Major, K. 622 (Mozart) – Mark van de Wiel, London Chamber Orchestra
I am grateful to have tea, any tea at all, any comforting warm beverage at all, full stop. But the more I drink this one the less I enjoy it. It’s harsher on my throat than other teas. It could be the weather. I could be coming down with something. :shrug: My palate may just be gravitating away from black teas.
song pairing: Sonata in B Minor, K. 27 (Domenico Scarlatti) – Lucas Debargue
Has the toasted quality in taste and scent that Koreans adore. Label says oolong but it is unique. It is roasty, toasty, and as the steeps progress also somehow reminiscent of gooeun gim (seaweed), but in a good way. Hard to describe. Oh 아주 구수~함.
song pairing: Eastside – benny blanco, Halsey & Khalid
Preparation
Drinking tea outdoors is all that it is hyped up to be. Annoying to prep for but worth the effort. Poundcake continues to be very good, though the original dessertlike qualities have become more muted. It has been so hot here that 81 degrees at 6:30pm feels autumnal.
song pairing: plastic angels – eben
