hmm, I was very excited to try this because I am a fan of the darker aged oolong teas. I’m amused by the other notes here, what fun to read and what an in-depth probing analysis!
Ok, I actually think this tea is fabulous. It really does smell like a mix of coffee and puerh when you brew the leaves but this does not bother me at all. I brewed this in an infuser mug for 90 seconds (guesstimate) with 180 F water.
I am picking up a lot of interesting flavors here. Cinnamon is the first thing that comes to mind. Also, a little mushroomy in the aroma like you would expect from a pu-er. I am getting stone fruit like plums in the finish and yes, chestnuts.
Second steep: the flavor here is really opening up, it is rich and full with a bit of sharp tang. Reminiscent of a puerh and a big red robe. If you like those styles of tea you might want to check it out. Roasty cinnamony spicey goodness. Okay, this may be an acquired taste, it is definitely an unusual flavor but I dig it.
