I try not to read vendor descriptions when reviewing a new tea, so I can have a clear mind and interpret the tea on my own, but this is a tea that I bought because I read the description and it sounded nice. I have to say the notes given by Taiwan Tea Crafts this time are actually quite on point. I do get the fresh stone fruit notes like peach and cherry. Even more so the most obvious note is the aroma and flavor of violets, which I wouldn’t even know of except that I’ve found a favorite cocktail lately called Aviation that has Creme de Violette in it, and a friend also made me some crostinis for my birthday with a violet vinaigrette on it. This tea really smells like violets, and I love that. There are some undertones of vanilla, as suggested, and a bit of a cooling wintergreen freshness in the finish, more in sensation than flavor, but perhaps a bit in flavor as well.
I’m brewing this in a small flat Gongfu Pot. I’m not going to go through many infusions in my review, so I can sit and enjoy this tea. Those previous notes were for the first. The second infusion is very rich and sweet. Makes me salivate a lot, and now the violet taste is definitely more a “candied violet” like the description said. The third infusion is still quite rich but even more smooth and a bit caramely. Flavors are similar to the first two but with a bit of malty and woody flavors in the background.
Overall i’m very impressed by this tea. It is easily among the best black or red teas I’ve had now. This one has a unique flavor profile in comparison to many others I’ve had. It’s no wonder since it is made with Qing Xin leaves from Shan Lin Xi and Jin Xuan leaves. This tea is deserving of its competition achievements. Well done, Jin Long!
Flavors: Candy, Mint, Stonefruit, Vanilla, Violet
