The dry leaves smell reminiscent of a young pu-erh with woody / mulchy tones mixed with cocoa, autumn foliage, and a hint of spice.
Brewed with a porcelain gaiwan (2.0g / 3.5 oz. water)
Rinse: Leaves smell strongly of cocoa, wet autumn foliage, and finishes with tones of dried fruits (dates maybe) and roasted flavors.
1st (4 min. as package states): Leaves smell of pungent, wet autumn foliage with cocoa tones underneath. This gives way to a caramel sweet smell mixed with dried fruits (dates). Liquor is brown with tinge of gold. Thick, syrupy mouthfeel. Cocoa and woody/mulchy flavors are present. Slight bitterness might be due to brewing, but it is not overbearing.
2nd (shorter, 3.5 min. due to bitterness): Leaves smell more like wet wood or mulch. Caramel tones are also pronounced with the dried fruit smell gone. Liquor is golden brown with a red tinge. The flavor has less cocoa tones and more pronounced caramel flavors accented by wet autumn foliage and wood. The mouthfeel is still syrupy.
3rd (3.5 min.): Leaves smell more one dimensional of wet autumn foliage. The taste is more one dimensional also and consists of wet autumn leaves with a touch of caramel sweetness. The mouthfeel is still surprisingly syrupy.
4th (4 min.): Taste profile is basically the same as the 3rd. However, the overall intensity is weakening and the mouthfeel is becoming thinner.
Overall, I did enjoy this tea. What surprised me the most is the persistency of the flavor and mouthfeel. This tea is balanced, has a fair bit of dimensions, and could be steeped 5-6 times. Rishi Tea’s Bai Hao Oolong would be a great starting point for anyone who wants to delve into the world of Oolong!
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Interesting- I’ve only had this at a tea shop before, where I couldn’t get over how much this tasted like a black tea. However, they steeped it in big pots down there. If I come across it again, I’ll have to try it gong-fu style to see how it changes. BTW. .. what a nice small gaiwan you have! It’s hard to find anything in the 3oz area (and I’ve got itty bitty hands).
Yes, definitely try it gong-fu style. I have also brewed it in a larger (8oz.) yixing teapot and noticed that the flavor changes dramatically when brewed in clay. Personally, I like the flavor better in a gaiwan. It is very small and a good size!! I purchased it from Rishi Tea because of the size. I bet you could find some other places that sell it too. Thanks for the response!! Keep up your great reviews!! :)
Interesting- I’ve only had this at a tea shop before, where I couldn’t get over how much this tasted like a black tea. However, they steeped it in big pots down there. If I come across it again, I’ll have to try it gong-fu style to see how it changes. BTW. .. what a nice small gaiwan you have! It’s hard to find anything in the 3oz area (and I’ve got itty bitty hands).
Yes, definitely try it gong-fu style. I have also brewed it in a larger (8oz.) yixing teapot and noticed that the flavor changes dramatically when brewed in clay. Personally, I like the flavor better in a gaiwan. It is very small and a good size!! I purchased it from Rishi Tea because of the size. I bet you could find some other places that sell it too. Thanks for the response!! Keep up your great reviews!! :)