Purple Pu-erh

Another tea from raritea from a company that’s local to Toronto. I’ve tried a few of their teas out, but haven’t yet tried this one. Sadly this one falls flat for me. It sort of tastes like not very much of anything. there’s a taste that’s trying to peak out of this, but it’s not strong enough for me to really grasp. oh well. win some, lose some. thanks raritea!

Purple puerh had me instantly intrigued as soon as I heard about it, however the tea making conditions in Europe left a lot to be desired, so I brought this back with me and am currently sipping it, cooled, on a blisteringly hot day in the Kootenays (BC, Canada).

It tastes very different cold than hot, although still pleasant. I get earthiness, almost a damp mossy earthiness, with a honeyed sweetness and then…. camomile? Huh? I’m positive it’s chamomile, as I only get this odd feeling in my throat when I drink chamomile tea (like all the cillia in my throat are at attention). Interesting.

Aha! Rarity was the one who gave this to me during our Edinburgh “meet for tea and swap tea” first ever, face-to-face visit. Yes! Thank you so much for your time and gracious sharing … I have so much tea here that I would’ve only had the opportunity to try because of you. Merci!

The 3 minute infusion really brings out some the complex flavour in this tea. I still detect the chamomile subtle sweetness. There is also a sweet grassy tone. Abstractly, I would describe the overal flavour as brassy and shiny. It has both a thin (on the tip of the tongue) and thick mouthfeel (still provides an umami savoury sensation).