072/365
Another from Dark Matter 2016. This is an odd one to describe, because it’s complex without being obvious. That seems an odd thing to type, but sometimes when a tea has a lot of flavours, it just has a lot of flavours. They’re easy to pick out, and you can list them. Not so here. It’s difficult to work out exactly what I’m tasting, and (of course) it’s all coming from the tea rather than added ingredients/flavourings. Regardless, I’m going to have a bash.
The initial sip is sweet, in the way of brown sugar. It’s not as dark or as deeply flavoured as molasses, although it’s heading in that direction. The mid-sip is woody and earthy, quite a contrast with the opening sweetness, and that develops into a mild smokiness that lingers into the aftertaste. Running underneath all that is a soft creaminess.
No single element becomes overpowering, and it’s perfectly smooth with no bitterness or astringency. It’s not my favourite of the Dark Matter teas, but it’s certainly a thought-provoking, take-your-time kind of tea. It wouldn’t, or couldn’t, be a daily drinker for me – it’s the kind of tea that needs contemplation, and not a hurried work day rush. Worth trying – when you have the time!
