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I seem to have done something right with this tea this time, because I like it better than the first time I had it. I’m just not sure what it is, exactly, that I’ve done differently. I used my default green tea setting – 77C for two and a half minutes – both times.
Anyway, this tea has a sharp citrus aroma, but the taste is much smoother. The lime element is balanced just right, so it’s neither too much nor too little.
The leaves give off a wonderful citrusy smell, and you get a similar aroma from the brewed tea. The first sip isn’t anything like as strong to the taste, so I was somewhat disappointed to start with, but the flavour really builds as you go along. I liked the end of the cup much better than the beginning.
This is a little lighter than other Dragonwells I’ve tried. If I have to choose a favourite green tea, this one would probably be it. It’s delicate, but requires less exacting treatment to get right than, say, some Japanese green teas. (Gyokuro, I’m looking at you.) Usually, I love the flavour of this. I’ve seen some of my Steepster friends describe Dragonwell as salty to the taste, and while I can sort of see where that reaction is coming from, it’s really not what I think of first, in relation to this dragonwell in particular. I find the flavour of this one subtle and complex, and while it’s not sweet as a Japanese green can be when you get it just exactly right, it’s not bitter, either, apart from a teensy bit of astringency lurking around the edges.
Sadly, the flavour is dulled today. I’m getting towards the end of the packet and it looks like the leaves are starting to lose some of their flavour. It’s still good – but it can be so much better. I think I feel an order from the Tea Centre coming on…
Preparation
This is a very light – in colour and taste – dragonwell, very delicate and in need of careful handling, but it’s really worth the effort. That particular malty dragonwell sort of flavour comes through strongly, despite the lightness and the delicacy. This is a great cup of tea.
Interesting tea! The tea itself (a mix of black and green leaves) is quite okay and produces a medium strength brew, but the fruit and flowers also included in the blend lurk around the edges and really make this tea memorable. I like it best with a little honey added.