M. Yura

First Steep

A hint pf a malty smell. Very full-bodied flavor too it, a bit too much so. A bit of a lingering aftertaste, but nothing too bad.

This is an incredibly dense tea – hard to handle on its own, really needs something mixed with it to bring it down.

Second Steep

Even more subtle smell. Same not particularly strong or bitter taste. Formerly astringent bergamot aftertaste is much smoother.

Second steep is much better than the first – bumped the rating.

First Steep

Relatively subtle smell. Not particularly strong or bitter taste. Moderately astringent bergamot aftertaste.

Nothing special as far as Earl Grey teas go – I’ve have better, but I’ve also had worse.

First steep

Not much of a smell. Fairly strong jasmine taste. Aftertaste quickly fades away to nothing.

Jasmine teas tend to all be pretty much the same, and this is no different. That doesn’t mean that it’s bad though.

Second steep

Jasmine smell is less pronounced. Taste is a bit more bitter than the first steep. A much less strong jasmine and malt aftertaste as well.

Jasmine flavors are much more subdued with the second steep, need to reevaluate since this is quite a bit better.

First steep

Medium jasmine smell. Medium bitter taste. Somewhat lingering malty, flowery aftertaste.

Unusual tea. Tastes like a literal mix of jasmine and malty black tea. Not half bad, but could use a little less jasmine and maybe a less malty black tea.

Doesn’t effect the taste, but was a bit unusual looking as well; was dark like a typical black tea, but with a distinct yellow-green “halo” around the edge.

Second steep

Smells and tastes are the same as the first steep but significantly less pronounced.

Is a bit too weak for a second steep, needs to be mixed with another tea to survive multiple cups.

First steep

Tiny hint of a sweet scent. Subtle bitter taste. A hint of an almost tangy aftertaste that’s gone before you realize it.

Very relaxing, very drinkable. Definitely worth a second steep.

Second steep

Smells and tastes are the same as the first steep but less pronounced.

Still very tasty, but I’m not sure that the tea would last for a third steep. I’m going to try mixing it with the Ceylon Sonata sometime in the future, which should be good.

First steep

Strong herbal, sweet, “weird” smell. Surprising bland taste. Very pungent flowery and fruity aftertaste that lasts forever.

The taste is pretty benign, but there’s something about the smell and lingering aftertaste that makes my stomach turn. I think that rooibos just isn’t for me.

First steep

Medium caramel smell. Surprisingly neutral bitter taste. A hint of a malty aftertaste.

I was really surprised at how good this tea was. Definitely worth a second steep.

First steep

Subtle oolong smell. Surprisingly bitter for an oolong, but otherwise nothing out of the ordinary. Virtually no aftertaste.

Unobtrusive. Tasty. Definitely worth a second steep.

Second steep + 1/4 Golden Bi Luo by Chicago Tea Garden for 1 min

Pretty strong sweet caramel smell. Has a strong malty and bitter flavor. Hardly any aftertaste.

Has a dark, almost “blunt” taste – tastes good when complimented with cookies, but only mediocre when by itself. Might be good with honey to lighten the flavor.

First Steep

A pretty strong malty smell. Flavor is still malty, but not nearly as strong, and has more of a bitter taste. Aftertaste is surprisingly sweet, and lingers only for a few seconds.

Actually a bit better than I expected, though I would still like to try it with honey or something for the second steep. Enjoyable.

Second Steep

Smells and tastes a tiny bit stronger, probably because I accidentally steeped it for too long.

Not sure what combination I could use this in, though it is just fine by itself.

First Steep

Has a somewhat strong jasmine “leafy” smell. Very unoffensive taste. Little to no aftertaste.

A fairly bland and generic jasmine tea, gets the job done without being too fancy or obtrusive (which is certainly not a bad thing); soothing and relaxing. Maybe try with honey for a bit more flavor?

First Steep

A sweet, full (malty?) smell. Has an almost “candied” taste, though more of a caramel flavor than just sweet; similar to sweet potatoes? A bit of a malty aftertaste.

Malty flavor is quick to overwhelm when drinking too fast. Needs something to go with it; would be good with cookies or muffins, or mixed down with a more bitter black tea.

Second Steep

Exactly the same as the first steep.

Will try mixing it with some other tea next time for variety.

First Steep

Very little smell. Extremely unobtrusive, subtle bitter taste. A bitter aftertaste that lasts about a second (at most).

Relaxing. Unobtrusive. Good for when I want to focus on doing something else, and not about the taste of my tea. Almost too easy to drink.