This is the lightest shou I have encountered to date. It is surprisingly delicate with no strong flavours or aromas, medium body and I didn’t really feel any cha qi either, despite what Scott writes in the description. I even forgot about the fourth infusion (which is usually one of the strongest) for several minutes. Still, there was almost no bitterness. Instead I got some umami coming out. The mouthfeel was smoother and bubbly, rather than numbing and watery with shorter steeps. As for particular notes, I picked up berries and other fruits in the smell and aftertaste, as well as some malt. The taste is mostly sweet, but nothing overpowering, as you could probably guess.
All in all, this is a tea that is strangely memorable for its lack of any memorable aspects. Nothing really stands out. Nevertheless, it is tasty and has some nuances to be explored, mostly in the mouthfeel. I am curious how it will perform with a simmer, which I plan to do at the end of this session.
Flavors: Berries, Fruity, Malt, Smooth, Sweet, Umami
