I typically don’t like to write more than one review of a tea unless it’s changed substantially from harvest to harvest. However, this Mi Lan Xiang hongcha is so good that I’m breaking this rule. I called it the best black tea I drank in 2017, and while I might not go that far now, it’s still among the most balanced, comforting, tasty black teas in my collection. I get honey, caramel, pastries, grapefruit, florals, and a touch of malt, along with red berries and cocoa in some steeps. There’s a little astringency to give it body, but not enough to be bitter or detract from the smoothness. I can mindlessly chug this tea while working, which is a mistake since there are so many flavours to eke out.
Along with the Wild Lapsang Souchong from Wuyi Origin, this is one of my desert island teas. Both of these teas are fruity, smooth, and easy drinking while remaining complex enough to repay closer study. It’s too bad it’s $28 for 50 g, but I just might buy more anyway.
