Sipdown, 126. Gongfu this afternoon.
With my first steeps, I was reminded that, no matter how much I try, I just don’t dig puerh in any form. It’s not that it tastes bad to me, I just don’t love the flavor. The first steeps of this were also a bit oversteeped (kind of bitter) given the amount of leaf in the pot, and perhaps the amount of broken leaf from the bottom of the pouch (even though they were 4-6 second steeps). But then there was a totally awesome floral, osmanthus-like aftertaste lingering in my mouth. Hmm.
My third steep I did a super quick, pour in pour out, couple second steep, which was mellower but still had a bite I didn’t love. But once again there was this awesome floral aftertaste that came out a few minutes after I finished drinking the steep. It really reminded me of something but I can’t place it, and it’s kind of driving me nuts. Although I don’t really care for the bulk of the sip itself, the lingering florals are so lovely that I am definitely enjoying this tea a lot more this time. Interesting!
Way to persevere! :)