iTeaworld

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I drank this earlier in the week after laying down mulch. I wanted a hot tea and I didn’t want it to be anything complex. I turned the kettle on, tossed in some Maofeng, and grandpa styled this sample. The tea didn’t have an abundance of flavor, however, there was a great deal of viscosity and energy about it.

I got this pack for free and I’ve been wanting to get this review out. Here we go:

Jasmine Bi Luo Chun(3-Scent):
Jasmine flowers inside the tea. The first steep was very floral, but the jasmine scent from the second steep was significantly weaker. The Bi Luo Chun flavor later came to be much more prominent than the jasmine flavor. Still very pleasant. Hydrated leaves are roughly 1-2 inches long.

Jasmine Mao Jian(5-Scent):
Favorite among family members. Shinny dry leaves, the green tea base has a sweetness that’s almost pastry like. Jasmine lasted significantly longer than the Bi Lou chun but the floral flavor isn’t the strongest from this pack. The green tea did not have the savory profile many Chinese green has, it is not quite vegetal. Hydrated leaves are 0.5-1 inches long.

Jasmine Zhen Wang(7-Scent):
Furry long leaves, very perfumy. The jasmine scent is sharp and very in your face. I think part of the fragrance and sweetness is from the tea base, there’s a juicy, vegetal quality to it. This tea handles brewing very well, one time I reused the same leaves for three days and the tea still came out flavorful. If you want to make jasmine milk tea this will be able to take the milk. Hydrated leaves are roughly 1-1.5 inches long.

Jasmine Bai Hao(9-Scent):
Fur on buds, very uniformed, extremely clean. I expected this to be the strongest from the sample pack but the Zhen Wang was much more potent than Bai Hao. I would describe the drinking experience of this one as “sipping on flower water.” There is no astringency, bitterness, or other unpleasant flavors from the white tea, it’s very delicate. Hydrated leaves are all roughly 1 inch long and have a very faint mung bean scent on top of the jasmine.

I think this pack will please everybody. The uncles and aunties, the ABCs/ABGs/ABBs, the boba addicts, the Chinese restaurant lovers, the moms, it’s a crowd winner. If you are drinking this yourself this is A LOT of jasmine. I’ve been sharing it with people lol

sold for $39.99

https://iteaworld.com/products/chinese-jasmine-tea

If you haven’t yet checked out iteaworld (either their company or tea) I highly suggest you do both. Anne has been kind enough to supply me with a sample of this tea as well as some others and I really am impressed with many different facets of this company. I also decided to do an unboxing video on tiktok.

I highly suggest sticking to the suggested infusion time in order to fully enjoy all the tea has to offer without worrying about ruining it. The bitter tannins will punch you in the face.

Update: I’ve opened the second package of this one. I’ve only tried two of the teas so far and for some reason, this was calling out my name again. I’ve raised the score on this because I don’t think I appreciated the flavors the first time as much. In the west we’ve become so acclimated to teas that steep in bags or steep longer that steeping for seconds is something that takes a while to master. This is a good tea for that type of practice.

Dry leaf: Twisted tightly with some slight curl. The aroma isn’t quite as strong as I was hoping but there is some lingering hay and veggie notes.
Wet leaf: Still twisted with the first infusion but slowly opening. Aroma of stone fruits and veggies and a very slight hint of camphor.
Flavor: Very vegetal. Fresh asparagus, cooked green beans. These are prevalent in each of the three infusions I’ve done thus far. Only the first showed the strongest notes of stone fruit and slight cream.
Please do go check out this tea and more here: (https://iteaworld.com/products/chinese-tea-sampler?ref=ay9eddnn

Gongfu!

Nothing like a little hotel room tea session before diving back onto the Vegas Strip for the morning, and the WTE show floor later in the afternoon. I’m brewing up some Jasmine Zhen Wang paired with a bright and creamy lemon meringue tart. This tea goes through the scenting process seven times, which makes for a pretty freaking potent jasmine tea. Sweet, lush, and dewy. I just adore the combination of highly aromatic, fresh and floral tea with the bright and zesty lemon tart. Such a naturally complimentary pairing and an invigorating way to start the day!!

Tea Photos: https://www.instagram.com/p/C4s-GxTxizA/?img_index=1

Song Pairing: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_nZ7kUcHYzg

It’s raining outside and it’s been very gray day. My mood is also gray because isn’t sunny California supposed to be … sunny? I decide to try some Jasmine infused Bi Luo Chun from iTeaWorld. I love the way this tea looks because it’s curled like its name sake snails (bi luo). So many bi luo chun doesn’t have the signature shape but this one does!

I steep it for 15 sec at 185 degrees. Oh my, for being infused only 3 times, it sure is fragrant! It tastes light and sweet with a teeny bit of bitterness. It’s still raining outside but guess what? My sunshine is in this cup! ☀️ There are 3 more teas left in this sampler box and I’m excited to try them all.

Sipdown

I infused this in my designated tea French press this evening. I wanted a solid black tea to pair with my evening gaming session. I took pause to note that this isn’t as “BBQ heavy” as some Lapsang Souchong teas I’ve had. It does have characters of smoke and peaty flavors, but it’s quite inviting.

Jasmine Sampler – iteaworld.com – Full Review

Suzanne Neeley

“They say” is a most dangerous phrase in the English language. Regardless of the topic, I believe it is always best to experience for oneself the subject of discussion, whether it is a person, place, or thing of art. This is especially true of tea, no matter what country in which it is grown. There are times when you least expect it, you can experience even for just a moment, the fragrance, the taste, and the essence of that country. Sometimes, all at once.

I am grateful to Jelina Gill and iteaworld for just such an experience. I was not disappointed. I have tasted and tested each tea in the new Jasmine sampler, and it is not just a feast for the tasting but an experience of sight, and fragrance, and soul as well. Each of the teas in the sampler is scented multiple times to enhance not only the taste, the flavor, but the experience of the tea itself. There are few competitors who will actually disclose the method and multiples of scenting yet iteaworld does, and not only that, but the experience you receive backs it up in full.

Most supermarket brands of Jasmine tea are artificially perfumed, which is not only harmful to the health but can also damage your taste buds. It is chemically oriented. But not this – this is bliss in a bag from iteaworld.

By adhering to the instructions on each package (which can vary, and it is best to do so) you will get the experience of the tea.

I used a one-rinse steep before the actual tasting (mainly so that I can get to the best part) which also resulted in a fuller tasting experience. “Jumping in with both feet” so to speak.

The kit is beautifully packaged and sorted, with complimentary silk teabags if that is your preference. I use gong fu method so I did not use them, but they will come in handy for my own use, in herbal tisanes. Thank you iteaworld for that unexpected gift!

I also liked the way the kit is organized, in rows, with beautifully designed cards between each section. It says, “Sip bitter sweetness; tea is so and so are people.” A good reminder for us all in a post-Covid near apocalyptic world that seems to spin faster and faster as we age.

I have problems with my hands, so I found the packages very difficult to open without spilling the tea. I found that scissors work best with these packs. Just be careful not to cut the leaves inside.

You can check it out for yourself at https://iteaworld.com/products/chinese-jasmine-tea.

Jasmine Mao Jian

Great introduction at the first sip, and quickly envelops the mouth. A slight astringency that is fairly signature of true Jasmine tea. It isn’t harsh and doesn’t try to compete for attention. It’s a gentle wave rather than a frantic change of tide. This tea will delight those who enjoy a lighter scent and taste. It is not heavy handed, and fully engages you in the experience of being in a truly blissful garden, wherever you may live.

The light grasses of summer, in the wintertime, will soothe the ache in your neck, and the gentle floral surrounding the substantial tea leaves, which are strong and neat, with variegated color. By the second cup you will be wondering why you have wasted so much money at the supermarket over the years.

The second and third steeps will reveal notes of light fruit and accompanied by its signature floral, is the perfect blend. It is consistent and a lovely tea all-round for those who like me, want to be there, but can’t.

Jasmine Bai Hao

The fragrance is unbelievably natural and strong as soon as you open the envelope. It is a needle-like tea with a beautiful presentation of varied colors. I thought I was in a scented bath for a moment. It is a true Jasmine fragrance! I don’t know how they got it in there, but I’m glad they did! I really felt a bit sleepy afterward and so I know I can use this as a nightcap before bedtime and I won’t stay awake but will float off.

This acts more like a white tea, and it is very gentle on the stomach and the mouth. Color is perfect – a very pale gold, which is very satisfying after a hard day at work. I’m very excited about this one because I have been looking for something for evening time, and this perfectly fits the bill. It is still as robust as any of the top competitors and holds its own in a saturated market. This is a tea to savor at the end of the day, and let your mind wander, while you fall asleep in a favorite chair. (Sign me up, please for a pound of this!)

Color, brilliance, and taste are fully consistent from steep to steep, from cup to cup. This is a winner for all seasons. The Jasmine Bai Hao is by far my favorite of the four.

Jasmine Zhen Wang

Once again, it has a needle-like appearance and during the first steep begins to act like a white tea, although of course, it is green. The fragrance is a lot more subtle on this tea, and so it would be a favorite for those who do not like heavy fragrance. I have a perfumer’s nose (a former occupation) and so I easily pick out orange blossom as well as jasmine, although of course, the jasmine is the base layer which doesn’t fade. It is spiced jasmine, if I may say so, and it’s subtle and complex.

The taste is light, and floral, and again, behaving very much like a white tea. I enjoyed the third steep of this the most. Like many of my personality type, I will say that if there is one absolute certainty in life, it is that there are no absolutes. I enjoyed this tea! I feel strongly that the taste is consistent from steep to steep and not too heavily reliant on the grasses for flavor. My second favorite! A great go-to for bedtime.

Jasmine Bi Luo Chun

This is by far the most traditional of the four in this sampler. Astringency is high on the first steep, and some may find that bitter. But it is worth the wait if you go to the second and third steep. Smoothing out nicely, the tea, which is a bright yellow, takes on a far more subtle flavor with notes of yes, the grasses, and vegetal, but also the jasmine floral itself. For the purist, this is it. Those who enjoy the high greens, will love this tea.

It is what many expect out of a high-quality jasmine. Scented three times in the most natural way, with no added perfumes, it is a lovely fragrance to carry you through your day, as well as your teatime.

In all, my favorites may not be yours, but I do plan to order them individually. This is a fantastic sampler, with a great introduction to both the history of these teas and their importance in Chinese culture, as well as the necessary qualities to make it a daily drink for many.

Final thoughts: If you have enjoyed this review, and I hope you have, please give it a thumbs up, and check out iteaworld, at https://iteaworld.com/products/chinese-jasmine-tea.

From the new oolong sampler. Once again, thank you Anne for the chance to try these out. This has been an amazing oolong journey.
Dry leaf: Well this is a surprise. I was not expecting a cake. Though it’s shaped like a brick, square shape so I shall you you a tea brick. Olive green hues that range from lighter to darker with large leaves and stems. And a few fuzzy buds
Dry aroma: Floral. Jasmine. Gardenia. Slight but definitely there.
Initial aroma: Slightly creamy, somewhat vegetal, butter cookies. Fresh. Light butter, a bit of asparagus,
Flavor: Floral, notes of gardenia and a bit of lilac
Mouthfeel: Smooth
Aroma cup: A bit of butter, a freshly snapped lilac flower branch
Wet leaf aroma: Buttered something.

These last two oolongs really blew me out of the water. Such immense flavor and range. The only thing I think that needs a bit of revision is the tea brick. As someone who has tasted a wide variety of tea, I know what to do with it but it might utterly baffle others.

Oolong tasting box
Dry aroma: Fruity. Dessert wood. Stone fruit. Roasty notes. Sweet plum candy. Charcoal. Bit of dark roast coffee. Lychee. Gosh is that lovely. There is so much going on. It’s perplexing and yet refined.
Dry appearance: Dusty, dark chocolate, tightly twisted, long leaves
Initial aroma: Deep roast notes and roasted plum, lychee
Wet Leaf: Fruit bread. Charcoal, ooo ooo oh man… there is a scent like this at Bath and Body Works. I don’t shop there anymore but man it reminds me of that lotion…
Flavor: Unexpected freshness. Charcoal roasted lychee. Let the second infusion sit too long and now I have burnt fruit.
Mouthfeel: Smooth and slightly silty.
Aroma cup: Slight cream, roast, fruit

On another note… I just made some fantastic corn bread with masa harina. Can’t wait for chili tonight.

From the oolong tea collection 2023.
Thank you again for the opportunity to try all of these oolongs!

Dry Leaf: Lightly twisted, dusty, dark chocolate color, long leaves
Dry aroma: Drying, floral, mineral, stone fruits
Initial aroma: A lot going on here. There were almost too many aromas for me to keep track of. Charcoal, dark chocolate, & mineral notes were the first that popped out.
Flavor: Deep roast notes. Charcoal. Slightly burnt toast (but the good burnt where it’s not enough to ruin the toast but add a nice touch to it). The minerality gains more traction with the second infusion. A bit more fruity notes with the third infusion. Still very heavy on the roasty notes. The fifth infusion is a bit more ashy with wet charcoal and wet rocks.
Mouth feel: astringency here and there but not always present. Smooth. Also a bit of ashy sensation, almost like the silty sensation you get with some matchas.
Wet Leaf: Perplexing. The aroma is light and thus difficult to discern. A slight rye bread note along with raisins. Develops more in the second and third infusions.
Aroma cup: Milky, slight chocolate milk, almost a new house smell to it as well. Which sounds weird but it truly reminds me of walking into a newly opened business building. Also if you stick your nose into the leaf more it reminds me of a candied plum packaged in plastic. Slight spices, like the spices used for glogg or apple cider.
If you are expecting a Big Red Robe sensation you might be slightly disappointed as this one, I feel, leans heavily towards the roast notes. The usual mineral and floral notes are quite a bit subdued, however, don’t let that stop you from trying it, it’s very pleasing.
Feelin pretty good. Might be a bit tea-drunk. Time for some pizza.

Floral oolong tea cake. I received a 5g sample pack from my package. The cake is roughly 1.5 × 1.5 in, hydrated leaves are 2-2.5 in long. The tea reminds me of Taiwanese high mountain oolong the most, particularly the strong orchid aroma and the sweetness, but the zhangping shui xian taste less oxidized and does not have the grassy flavor often found in Taiwanese oolongs. This tea also has another flowery note I don’t quite know how to describe, it’s rice wine like?

This is my first time having zhangping shui xian. As an immigrant from Taiwan I think the most fascinating part is seeing the similarities between this tea and Taiwanese oolongs. Made me go “Ah, so that’s where it came from.” Taiwan has been making its tea since the 18th century, this proves that the ancestors did get the method right and it has lived on. Really love the stories and histories recorded by tea.

This is part of iteaworld’s New Oolong Tea Sampler. Currently not sold separately.

sold for $39.99

https://iteaworld.com/products/oolong-tea-sampler

Gongfu!

Apparently, I’m still on a bit of a jasmine tea kick, so this afternoon, I’m brewing up one of the samples from iTeaworld that they were so kind to gift me! It’s quite intense and fragrant with a very, very slick and syrupy liquor. With that said, I’m enjoying it! I was craving a more direct and strong jasmine tea on a richer and more full bodied base than a green tea, and this tea delivers on that front. Yes, it’s lacking some nuance and the flavour is a little blunt versus delicate floral notes – but there’s nothing wrong with that! For me, it all comes down to situational preference…

Tea Photos: https://www.instagram.com/p/C10AgJ8u0zO/?img_index=1

Song Pairing: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4lrTbknMA8s

Indulging in Feng Huang Dancong is akin to embarking on a sensory expedition. Upon the first sip, I got hints of leather and tobacco, gracefully accompanied by a subtle honey sweetness and a touch of mineral and earthiness adding depth and creating a symphony of sweet and savory notes. In later steeps a delightful transformation occurred, a gentle emergence of subtle fruity undertones. This tea is like an intricately woven tapestry of flavors that even the most discerning Tea lover would be sure to enjoy.

Tieguanyin, a journey through sublime flavors. Compared to their previous Tieguanyin, which was a nice tea, this one stands out as exceptionally delightful. The first sip unveils a graceful dance of orchid, accompanied by a smooth, buttery texture. As the infusion deepens, creamy sweetness emerges, evolving into hints of fresh greens and a touch of citrus. Each steep is a delightful transformation, leaving a lingering symphony of floral and fruity notes. An exquisite oolong for the discerning palate.

This tea unveils a deep earthiness that resonates throughout the experience, complimented by mineral undertones that add a distinctive edge. Notes of sandalwood and a subtle hint of tobacco contribute to the complexity. There is a woody essence also intertwined with a delicate roasty character, that establishes a harmonious balance. The smooth mouthfeel enhances the overall drinking experience, providing a comfortable texture.

Absolutely delightful, simply exquisite. It’s a staple for daily consumption, a tea that anyone with a penchant for green tea can truly appreciate…

This Biluochun from iTeaworld is a fired green tea. It boasts a delicate, smooth texture with a hint of sweetness. The dry leaves are long, thin, and curled, showcasing meticulous plucking and a deep green color with silver tips. The aroma is sweet, fresh, floral, reminiscent of mountain air, and carries notes of buttery baby spinach. The clear, pale yellow-green liquor reveals a sweet floral fragrance with subtle undertones of chestnut or mung bean, leaving a refreshing and sweet aftertaste.

Geek Steep S3E19 – The Three Body Problem (Novel)

Gongfu!

This is one of two different Dahongpao that I drank while reading through this week’s fandom/book – I chose Dahongpao because I read the first episode and essentially decided that something Chinese in origin with more of a political history would be super approprite for this read through, and I think I was pretty dang spot on.

This is honestly one of the most nutty tasting Dahongpao that I’ve brewed. It’s very smooth with a pleasantly roasty, mineral character and hints of orchids and lilacs to the undertones. It even has a bit of a snappy sort of woody top note that I found fascinating. Mostly, though, it kind of just tasted deliciously of peanuts. Both roasted peanuts and, well, peanut butter. Sorta creamy and a little bit sweet to go along with a general umami profile. More like a natural peanut butter, at least – not something super processed and refined. The kind where all the oil seperates if you go a day or two without using it. Very, very good.

Tea Photos: https://www.instagram.com/p/Cx1C68kuFAo/?img_index=1

Side note – I bought this yunomi cup because the colour and stroke pattern of the glaze made me think of tall blades of grass, and drinking with it this afternoon at the park just made me so gleefully joy filled because it fit in so perfectly with all the greenery!

Song Pairing: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P06lMAFuzfk

A sweet black tea. When hot the tea has noticeable wood and malt notes, when cool it has light note of rose. I’m a grandpa style brewer and I could feel the presence of tannin after a while. For the price this is a nice daily drinker, I would recommend going light when brewing the tea.

sold for 14.99/100g

https://iteaworld.com/products/souchong-black-tea

A very interesting black tea. The tea doesn’t feel like a black tea, it tastes more like a hojicha because of its toasty, vegetal flavors. Light in fruity notes. When added milk the tea tastes like a tea flavored dark chocolate. It’s very unique.

sold for $24.99/100g

https://iteaworld.com/products/guangxi-black-tea