Oh goodness this is softer than I expected, really sweet and creamy. There’s a touch of a floral or evergreen kind of taste that I’m having trouble pinning down, but it’s really familiar to me. There’s a wonderfully smooth honey sweetness, just a touch of smokiness and a hint of lingering bitterness. Perhaps the most wonderful quality of this tea is just how smooth the mouthfeel is. It really coats your mouth with such a velvety thick texture. There is just the slightest hint of smokiness inside my nose causing a little tingling feeling there still several moments after I’ve drank a cup. I think I have become a lion dragon.
On the second infusion, sniffing the underside of the gaiwan lid I get notes of orchid and chocolate. The scent of the brewed liquor has notes of camphor and cinnamon as well as orchid and chocolate. The taste is more dark and caramely, but still smooth, a bit more floral now. There are fruity notes in the background and a lingering chocolate taste.
The third and fourth infusions bring a more dark, malty flavor, less sweet than the first two. The scent is just as sweet though and there is a subtle sweetness in the background of the flavor. By the fifth infusion, it’s backing off into the sweet honey flavors again. I’ll continue to infuse this many more times, but I’ll end my review here.
I really enjoyed this tea. The smoothness and richness of it in the early infusions were remarkable. The only downsides to me are the sort of smoky bitterness that lingers and sort of stings the inside of my nose a little. It’s a little strange and new to me, that sensation, and might take some getting used to!
I could see myself purchasing this tea. It has a really great complexity. I may just do so because I’m curious to see how my red tea seasoned Yixing pot would handle it. It really cuts the edge off of red teas and mellows them out. Could be incredible!
Flavors: Caramel, Chocolate, Honey, Orchid, Spices
