So far, all the 2018 black teas I’ve tried from Old Ways Tea have had a strong floral note. This Wild Style Black had long-lasting white rose and sunflower notes on top of a light malty, baked bread base, lemon and orange zesty flavors and a very clean, light minerality. The aftertaste moved from rose and sunflower to sour orange to buttered, baked bread. There is also some returning sweetness.
One thing I’m really enjoying about this year’s black teas is their texture. This Wild Style Black was smooth with a kind of numbing astringency that’s not overbearing. It’s difficult to describe but something I’m really enjoying. I wonder if this quality is present in some of their older black teas which I have in my cupboard but have yet to try.
This was a delightful and clean Wuyi black tea with good longevity and recommended for fans of black teas from this region.
(5g, 100mL gaiwan, 200F, flash rinse, 12 steeps starting at 10s)