I’ve had several sessions of this tea and I found it quite different from the 2013 version. This one has a more subdued energy that builds up through the steeps. It has typical Mang Fei taste profile of sugar cane, tobacco, bitter melon, and a hint of all spice. My favorite attribute of this tea is its varied sweet notes of raw cane sugar, caramel, and molasses. It has a pleasant mouth feel, persistent aftertaste, and consistent energy. I would recommend this tea to those looking for a less aggressive Mang Fei.
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I’d say that’s pretty accurate. The 2013 beat me over the head and tossed me out on the curb. For people that love strong, strong, strong tea. This one’s a bit more refined but still quite strong.
The Sanhezhai would also be an interesting comparison against these teas. I think Mangfei may be one of the three components.
Initially, I prefered this one to the 2013, but after 3 sessions of each, I’m leaning more towards the latter. I found later steeps after the sixth or so to yield more interesting layers of nutty and savory flavors. I’ve great reviews of San He Zhai, but have yet to try it! Which is your favorite out of Scott’s 2015 line?
That’s interesting. The 2013 was so strong that I think I’ve only had it once. Not sure if I still have my sample somewhere… Sanhezhai can vary a bit session to session, but it’s good for the $$.
Favorite of 2015 for the price is the Huangshan Gushu. The Da Qing is also good and has slightly different characteristics, but I think I prefer the stable, steady thick body and aftertaste of the Huangshan. I will also say that I haven’t sampled everything, notably absent being Scott’s Yiwus.
I forgot to add the Huang Shan sample to my last YS purchase, but I’ve read favorable reviews. I like that the tea trees are only picked twice a year and that reviews have emphasized its kuwei. It’s highly likely I’ll give in to my gourmandizing tendencies and grab a cake instead of waiting for the sample.
I would love to try some of YS’s Yiwus. The Wa Long sample is $!4, but I’m thinking it would add to my pu’er edification.
The Yiwus are good for sure just more expensive. I’ve sampled both the 2013 and 2015 Walongs. Probably the best or close to the best teas Scott has pressed in both years..
I think the Huang Shan is a very safe bet to do blind. It’s good, quality, well-balanced stuff. Just grab it before it goes up by 20% on Chinese New Year!
Which year of Wa Long would you recommend?
Hmm.. I’d do 2015. The 2013 may or may not be going through a bit of awkwardness. Also..
Hmm.. I’d do 2015. The 2013 may or may not be going through a bit of awkwardness. Also..It’s probably just variability, but the taste after the first four or five infusions in my session of the 2013 got a bit more ordinary. Didn’t remember anything like that with the 2015.. Both are good though.
I’d say that’s pretty accurate. The 2013 beat me over the head and tossed me out on the curb. For people that love strong, strong, strong tea. This one’s a bit more refined but still quite strong.
The Sanhezhai would also be an interesting comparison against these teas. I think Mangfei may be one of the three components.
Initially, I prefered this one to the 2013, but after 3 sessions of each, I’m leaning more towards the latter. I found later steeps after the sixth or so to yield more interesting layers of nutty and savory flavors. I’ve great reviews of San He Zhai, but have yet to try it! Which is your favorite out of Scott’s 2015 line?
That’s interesting. The 2013 was so strong that I think I’ve only had it once. Not sure if I still have my sample somewhere… Sanhezhai can vary a bit session to session, but it’s good for the $$.
Favorite of 2015 for the price is the Huangshan Gushu. The Da Qing is also good and has slightly different characteristics, but I think I prefer the stable, steady thick body and aftertaste of the Huangshan. I will also say that I haven’t sampled everything, notably absent being Scott’s Yiwus.
I forgot to add the Huang Shan sample to my last YS purchase, but I’ve read favorable reviews. I like that the tea trees are only picked twice a year and that reviews have emphasized its kuwei. It’s highly likely I’ll give in to my gourmandizing tendencies and grab a cake instead of waiting for the sample.
I would love to try some of YS’s Yiwus. The Wa Long sample is $!4, but I’m thinking it would add to my pu’er edification.
The Yiwus are good for sure just more expensive. I’ve sampled both the 2013 and 2015 Walongs. Probably the best or close to the best teas Scott has pressed in both years..
I think the Huang Shan is a very safe bet to do blind. It’s good, quality, well-balanced stuff. Just grab it before it goes up by 20% on Chinese New Year!
Which year of Wa Long would you recommend?
Hmm.. I’d do 2015. The 2013 may or may not be going through a bit of awkwardness. Also..
Hmm.. I’d do 2015. The 2013 may or may not be going through a bit of awkwardness. Also..It’s probably just variability, but the taste after the first four or five infusions in my session of the 2013 got a bit more ordinary. Didn’t remember anything like that with the 2015.. Both are good though.