[Review of Spring 2016 picking]
Dry leaf: HERBAL, VEGETAL, SWEET (dried herbs – parsley, dill, thyme – cooked green beans and spinach, sweet butter, notes of milk chocolate, hint of cherry cordial. In preheated vessel – nuttiness and roastiness present, sort of “green peanut” notes)
Smell – FLORAL, VEGETAL, SWEET (fragrant floral – lily of the valley – buttered green vegetables, green nuttiness, some hints of chocolate and cinnamon-raisin bread)
Taste – VEGETAL, FLORAL, HERBAL, FRUITY (Arrival is green vegetable, sweet and sour, green stem, and lemongrass. In the mouth, notes of marine savoriness and hints of cinnamon-raisin bread develop. Finish is floral fragrant (lily of the valley), and dried herb (parsley and mint). Aftertaste is pronounced sweet stonefruit – ripe peach and apricot, some cherry sweetness.)
After a summer of exploring some various green oolongs, I have to say that this one is currently the clear winner. The flavors are varied and complex, strong but not overpowering. Every session had me picking up on new flavors and nuances. In addition, the tea is sensitive to changes in brewing parameters, but in a good way, allowing you to develop flavors you prefer in the tea.
Fresh, thick, and fruity. Great one to sip on as you procrastinate mowing the grass on a late summer afternoon. I speak from experience.
