Apologies in advance to anyone reading, as I’m about to copy-paste this note onto two teas…
I drank two Shandong Laoshans yesterday, one from What-Cha and one from Yunnan Sourcing, within an hour or so of each other. I had mild intentions of noting some differences between them, but the reality is I just wasn’t focused enough while doing some studying. I’m sure I’ll make more in-depth and fussy reviews for each later, but overall impressions remind me a lot of What-Cha‘s Vietnam Fish Hook Green. Umami, asparagus, crockpot white beans, salty, savory. Very approachable, smooth, and delicious. I will probably always keep a tea of this character in my cupboard, though I look forward to getting to know the intricacies and contrasts between all of the ones I have right now. I brewed both around 167-170°, which I think is perfect. Some astringency showed up toward the end of each session, but I think that was more a function of steep length than temperature. I really like this style of green.
Flavors: Asparagus, Salty, Savory, Soybean, Umami
