Gongfu!
Finally took the time for a session with this dancong oolong and shou pu’erh blended tea! This is such a unique combination of teas to be pressed together, and I wanted to make sure I have it the mental focus I felt it would likely need and deserve. Honestly, the oolong and pu’erh play off each way nicer than they have any right to! There’s something so sweet, fresh and floral about the aroma that comes off the leaf and liquor as it steeps that exemplifies some of the best qualities of the dancong. In terms of taste I find this to be akin to a softer shou with a more round and coating mouthfeel. It’s still earthy but very clean and lacking the heaviness and pungency it might have were it not blended. I get some undertones of lychee and plum skins, which make me think of the dancong, and it’s so unique to be tasting in tandem with the pu’erh! I think it all kind of works because of the unifying minerality of the two teas. Honestly, I just really love “Frankenteas”. This miss a lot but, when they hit, OH BOY do they hit!
Tea Photos: https://www.instagram.com/p/CnpsRapOZtk/
Song Pairing: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9ssjkdcATng