25 Tasting Notes
I think this has been discontinued. I don’t mind that.
Steeped for seven minutes (not the “proper” way to do Pu-erh, but it’s the way I personally like all the other ones I’ve tried. Maybe I’ll give it another try and steep for far less time.
None of the conspicuous fishiness that some have, but none of the complexity either. Tastes like soil and campfire ashes. A bit of sweetness in the smell and a smaller bit in the taste. Decent but nothing special.
Preparation
My favorite all-around tea so far. Not perfect (I don’t think that’s possible) but I had to give it a perfect rating. To me, this is to tea as Fuller’s London Pride is to beer. It’s the kind of tea I can drink any time of day or night and it’s always refreshing.
For all my teas I must admit I use a metal strainer, but not the ball type. It’s one that fits perfectly on top of my 2 cup teacup, so the leaves have some room to open and do their thing. So yes, that applies for this one.
Lots and lots of sweetness to this. Honey notes dominate at first sip. A lovely bit of grassiness when all that calms down, and a faint touch of smokiness too. I don’t get any of the pepper notes that some Yunnans have.
Really just a wonderful cup of tea that’s complex but not distractingly so.
Preparation
My first review, so bear with me.
Picked this up because I really love the Yunnan FOP from a local place, but the place of origin is where the similarities between these teas end, for the most part.
This particular time I steeped for about three minutes, near boiling. The strongest note I get from it (and this goes for any steep time) is a bite of spiciness, like cracked black pepper. Under that there’s a delicate sweetness on the tip of the tongue, akin to honey. Then comes a grassy field sort of taste, the primary trait I like in the FOP, riding the tastebuds along with all that spice.
I also find a similarity to a Keemun, but I’m ill-equipped to define or describe it (I’m still a tasting noob when it comes down to it). Even if you’re not into Keemun, though, I’d recommend this, as you may not even notice.
One thing to add: Longer steep times just seem to progressively amplify all the different tastes. Doesn’t really go bitter, which is awesome.
I wouldn’t drink it all day or anything. More of a nice occasional treat sort of tea.
