Terroir Tea is doing a MASSIVE sale on their teas at 50% most of their main selection, so while I was on the quest for a Nepalese Oolong, I figured a $7 beauty for 100 grams would be nice. The company was even nicer with a whole host of samples that I lucked out with and am continually impressed by. Roswell Strange’s review of the Musky Thunder inspired me to try the company out, especially that tea, but alas, they were out. However, I could not say no to a cocoa roasty Himalayan Tea.
The notes of cocoa and stewed fruit were spot on, especially in the dry leaf with an extra aura of autumn and biscuits. The brewed cup western at 3 minutes shares the aroma, but the taste was slightly disappointing. It does compare to its 2nd Flush Darjeeling Counterpart very well and possesses the rich cocoa profile and autumn leaf feel that I love. Unfortunately, the mouthfeel was plain and thin compared to the other samples in the lovely order. This is shame because the tea is sophisticated. I may try it gong fu to see what more I can get out of it.
I would recommend it as a cheap alternative for a Darjeeling 2nd Flush for the time being, and I highly recommend picking up some tea from Terroir for their sale because they do have good ones available from Taiwan and India.