First Steep:
The smell is like an underwhelming version of the odor of the dry leaves. There
is a really deep, musky taste that dissolves into a subtle sweetness reminiscent
of large volumes of high-end jelly beans. It’s pleasant without being too sweet
(at all), but after a few moments, a bitterness joins the aftertaste that is st
raight from a cup of bagged, bitter green tea. Enjoyable in the afternoon, but n
ot by itself worth the high price.
Second Steep:
This had a less intense aroma that reminded me of clover after a rain. It’s sort
of muggy. The taste was less intense, but in a good way. The bitterness from th
e first steep was all but gone. The after-sweetness was also gone. This left the
taste standing by itself. It’s sort of a cloveriness, but it’s really hard to d
escribe. Not bland, but not powerful.
Later, the bitterness returned. This is my first Oolong, so I’m not sure if this
is normal. The jelly bean sweetness returned, too. It’s not bad, and leaves the
tounge sort of tingely afterwards.
Third Steep:
Definitely the best steep so far. The harsh bitterness is completely gone, repla
ced by a sort of coppery tinge that leaves the tonge tingling. It’s not nearly a
s watered-down as I expected, despite the light colouring of the water.
Fourth Steep:
A fine metalic taste to it now. It has little aroma to speak of, but is very clo
very and pleasant. Very light in colouring, but very tastey. Maybe not worth it
at first, but I could grow to appreciate it.
