This is from the 2013 season and I believe they are currently getting in this years crops so unfortunately my review will not help with future purchases. At the very least if it’s from the same crop area as last year I can give you an insight to it’s quality and flavour.
The leaves are small and tightly rolled with a few pieces of stem present. They are dark green in colour with a high shine and a floral, somewhat peppery/spicy scent.
Water : 3oz / 85ml 203℉ / 95℃
Use 7 Grams Tea
6 steeps : rinse,10s,25s,40s,50s,70s,90s
Gaiwan
Rinsing time is around 3 seconds
First Steep – 10 seconds
Colour is dark yellow green and has a dry pepper scent which matches it’s dry form. Flavour is mild but has floral and mineral tones that I liken to grass.
Second Steep – 25 seconds
Stronger and with a touch of astringency. Like buttered broccoli with a touch of pepper. A little dryness in the after taste.
Third Steep – 40 seconds
Pretty full on in flavour, reminds me of a mild raw Pu Erh. Again a little astringency and also some earthy tones and spice. Also getting a raw pea flavour.
(By the way my husband has tasted many teas with me but this one he thought was an Oolong by taste alone, he was surprised it was a green).
Fourth Steep – 50 seconds
Mild and similar to the first steep. Grass, raw pea and low earthy tones. No astringency but it is dry.
Fifth Steep – 70 seconds
Pepper, light wood, grass. All mild and again no astringency but some dryness.
Sixth Steep – 90 seconds
Very grassy and with some sweetness though rather dry at this point. Remains peppy and non astringent.
Overall – A very peppery and grassy tea that changed over steeps and became very raw Pu Erh like. Very strong flavour for a green and dark flavour at that but enjoyable at the same time. Gunpowder green has never been a favourite of mine but this was a nice and unusual green for me. I wonder if this years crops will be stronger?
