I am breaking this out, the third of four samples that Wymm.
I have brewed all of the samples from them in a neutral glass vessel. I think this is the best way to get a handle to the “essence” of the tea on your first tasting.
I gave a really quick rinse to this one just to wake it a bit. It has a nice green tea and musky aroma to it. The sips are warm, grassy and buttery with the honey sweetness coming through . It has a slight touch of bitter that dwells for a second goes and drifts back in as well. What has really impressed me is the sweet of this seems to dance about a while after drinking it. This has no smoke at all in it. I would say it has been processed with pride. I have had 8 good infusions so far and i will keep going as long as I can with this one. I am up to 20 second steeps and still getting some goodness.
Flavors: Bitter, Butter, Grass, Green, Honey, Sweet
Agreed on the glass, porcelain gaiwan for me.
I found that in later infusions (beyond 10) you could even ramp it up to 5 minutes and beyond and get really mild, sweet, flavorful infusions.
I am bummed that I missed these samples!