This week, it’s all about getting outside old tea habits. I never have mild tea in the morning, I need my fix of strong black fuel! Just thought it would be fun to see what I can extract from more “zen teas” early in the morning!
This is the second Wild Arbor pu’erh I try, the first being Mandala’s.
I’m using the glass Test Tube to brew. It’s so beautiful to watch those pinecone shaped buds do their dance.
This is like drinking pine sap. I find a lot more piney notes than in the Mandala version. Also, it’s not as sweet. I remember Mandala’s tasting like sweet maple water.
Because this type of tea it is so light, it requires a lot more leaf to make a flavourful cup.
I had to let it steep much longer on the 3rd steep.
It smells and tastes like steamed asparagus this time around.
It’s one of those that I find very hard to describe cause it’s nature like. A little earthy, and savoury.
A quality I also really appreciate is that fresh finish, like sweet and cool spearmint.
It gave me a good 7 steeps in the Test Tube.
I conclude that this tea requires a much stronger brew than suggested. I am also glad it tastes very different than the other one I own.
And though this will never replace my beloved black morning tea, it did provide a nice energizing warming feeling inside.
Bravo for trying new things! FOR SCIENCE!
I’m intrigued by these wild arbor yabaos. On my list of must try teas. Thanks for the review.
Cameton B., science projects were never really my forte, I feel old habits coming back with a vengeance, lol. I love milder teas though, just prefer them afternoon or evening :-)
inranger, I absolutely love them. Out of the two, Mandala is the superior one though. More sophisticated and the buds are more perfect looking. This one was also good, but more rustic I’d say. A new reason to visit the appealing virtual tea shelves of Mandala maybe?
I already have a Mandala list percolating in my brain. Looks like the list just grew a little. Thanks for the tip.
You’re welcome!
Oh, and I love the image… having tea “percolating” in my brain ;-) I might have to borrow that one!
I’ve been trying to get myself to start the morning with something other than black teas, but it hasn’t happened yet, LOL.
Terri, I did try…doesn’t work!! I had a black tea binge all day ;-)
My day hasn’t officially started until I’ve had an unflavoured black tea. :)
Welcome to the club Cavo ;-)
Is there any other way to start the day? C’mon, there are things to do people. :)
Let us know if you find one ;-)