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derk drank Pear Mountain Oolong (Fall Pick) by Mountain Stream Teas

1650 tasting notes

I’ve had this before, pretty sure it was Fall 2017 harvest but I don’t think I mentioned it in my last note. I bought 25g of the Fall 2018 harvest with my last Mountain Stream Teas order.

The two harvest years are notably different. I’ll stay away from comparing the two since I didn’t take great notes for either tea.

I will say this didn’t catch my attention gongfu. It was heavier in brassy tones than I was expecting. Nice lingering retronasal florals. Performed well with boiling water and lower temperatures alike. I’d rate it 79. Daily drinker material.

What this tea does do well is stewing in my thermos at 190F for a few hours. The creamy floral aromas come to the forefront. The vegetal characteristics become a smooth undertone, mingling with a moderate brown sugar and sugarcane sweetness. Medium-bodied. Relaxed, heady floral energy and a perfect amount of caffeine for me with the chosen ratios. 2017 rating was 84. For 2018, I’d also say 84 based on my stewing method but I probably won’t buy the Fall Pick again.

Flavors: Almond, Apple, Brown Sugar, Cookie, Cream, Dandelion, Floral, Flowers, Gardenias, Mineral, Spinach, Sugarcane, Sweet, Sweet, Warm Grass, Vegetal, Violet

Preparation

190 °F / 87 °C 8 min or more 4 g 20 OZ / 591 ML

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This place, like the rest of the internet, is dead and overrun with bots. Yet I persist.

Eventual tea farmer. If you are a tea grower, want to grow your own plants or are simply curious, please follow me so we can chat.

I most enjoy loose-leaf, unflavored teas and tisanes. Teabags have their place. Some of my favorite teas have a profound effect on mind and body rather than having a specific flavor profile.

Favorite teas generally come from China (all provinces), Taiwan, India (Nilgiri and Manipur). Frequently enjoyed though less sipped are teas from Georgia, Japan, and Nepal. While I’m not actively on the hunt, a goal of mine is to try tea from every country that makes it available to the North American market. This is to gain a vague understanding of how Camellia sinensis performs in different climates. I realize that borders are arbitrary and some countries are huge with many climates and tea-growing regions.

I’m convinced European countries make the best herbal teas.

Personal Rating Scale:

100-90: A tea I can lose myself into. Something about it makes me slow down and appreciate not only the tea but all of life or a moment in time. If it’s a bagged or herbal tea, it’s of standout quality in comparison to similar items.

89-80: Fits my profile well enough to buy again.

79-70: Not a preferred tea. I might buy more or try a different harvest. Would gladly have a cup if offered.

69-60: Not necessarily a bad tea but one that I won’t buy again. Would have a cup if offered.

59-1: Lacking several elements, strangely clunky, possesses off flavor/aroma/texture or something about it makes me not want to finish.

Unrated: Haven’t made up my mind or some other reason. If it’s puerh, I likely think it needs more age.

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