Spring Competition Wenshan Bao Zhong Tea, Lot 231

I picked this one up on a whim from TTC because i figured i should try at least one of their non black teas (and terri’s done a good job of sharing their oolongs with me)

this is actually pretty tasty! It’s sweet, and while there’s a small floral undertone to this, it’s juicy and tasty! I’m a fan!

First sipdown of the day, no. 90 overall, I think, sent to me from Sil.
This is lovely, simply lovely. I’m not really sure how to describe it, so I won’t even try.

This sample came to me from Sil in a surprise Christmas card! Unfortunately the postal service did a good job of completely grinding this one to nearly matcha. Did someone stomp on it??

I kept it cool and a quick steep. It kinda looks like matcha with all that powder floating around in there! It does smell amazing, however. So floral (I’m amazed you liked this one, Sil! ;)). It’s a familiar floral but I can’t quite place it right now. Lilacs isn’t quite right, but I’ve definitely smelled it in a garden before. The flavor definitely has a bit of a fresh apricot, and I can see where TTC describes an almond-like note. It’s fresh and green and lovely. This is quite amazing, even stomped to bits. I may have to order some bao zhong from them when I do get around to making an order.

ETA: Yeah, I’m going to go ahead and rate this one pretty highly. It’s really that good, the broken leaf doesn’t even matter that much!

Beautiful dry leaves. So pretty. The leaves are huge when they unfurl. This is nicely vegetal but not in a spinachy way, just in an oolongy way. It is mild and buttery, though not as much so as the oolongs that have made me love them for their texture. I did look this up before steeping and tried to pay attention. I did 4 steeps, 15 seconds, 30 seconds & 40 seconds. Then the last one I just left the leaves in the cup until I was finished drinking. At the last it was a little sweeter than it started out.

I understand why people say they just get amazing flavors that develop out of these small steepings – it seems like if you only steep for 15 seconds at a time then it’s only common sense that you aren’t getting all the flavors possible out of the tea at once. Maybe that makes it easier to isolate the flavors. Dunno. It isn’t my favorite way to steep. No patience for it I guess. Maybe that means I’m not fully experiencing the tea but honestly, as long as I come up with something I like to drink it doesn’t matter to me. :)

It was a good tea and I’m glad Sil shared some with me!

This tea combines the flavours of steamed veg., flowers, cream, honey, peaches, and spice. It seems to be a cross between a Chinese green (25%) and a green oolong (75%). A lovely tea, but pricey.

First infusion – 3 g. per 6 oz water, 70 deg., 2:00 min.

Second infusion – 3 g. per 6 oz. water, 70 deg., 3:00 min.

Third infusion – 3 g. per 6 oz. water, 70 deg., 5:00 min.

Fourth infusion – 3 g. per 6 oz. water, 70 deg., 10:00+ min.

1 tbsp

Smooth hint of savoury milky sweetness. Definite strong floral note. Slight oceanic (salt) tone. Fresh grass.

Thanks to Sil for sharing!