80

This is the last of the Teavivre Spring 2014 green teas I’ve left to try. I left the two Dragonwells until last on purpose so that I could drink them together and maybe compare a little.

In terms of appearance, this one is very similar to the Premium Dragonwell. The leaves are large (about 2-4cm), folded and flat. They’re mostly a medium grass green, although with some lighter and a few darker leaves. These leaves are more mottled than the Premium leaves, I think. There are more yellow and brown patches, on more of the leaves – perhaps because they’re organic? I’m not certain on that count!

I used 1 tsp of leaf for my cup, and gave it 2.5 minutes in water cooled to around 175 degrees. Brewed, the leaves are mostly unchanged, and have not unfolded at all. The scent is quite pungent, but very fresh – green vegetables (maybe cabbage or asparagus). The brewed liquor is a light yellow-green.

The taste isn’t as strong as I thought it would be, based on the scent of the brewed liquor. I can taste asparagus, and a touch of something cabbage-like that just verges on bitterness. It’s a very smooth tea, although I wouldn’t quite describe it as buttery. The hint of bitterness at the end of the sip is interesting, in that it provides a bit of bite. I guess that’s why I don’t find it as smooth as the Premium, but it’s still pleasant nonetheless.

On balance, this isn’t my favourite Dragonwell of those I’ve tried so far. It’s interesting in terms of flavour, and I’m pleased all over again that I don’t dislike it, but I think the buttery sweetness of the Premium Dragonwell probably spoilt me for this one today. I have some leaves left, so I’ll return to this one another day. For now, though, I’m impressed with the quality of the green teas I’ve tried from Teavivre, and I’m looking forward to the arrival of the Spring 2015 sampler.

Preparation
175 °F / 79 °C 2 min, 30 sec 1 tsp

Login or sign up to leave a comment.

People who liked this

Login or sign up to leave a comment.

Profile

Bio

Hi :) I’m Sarah, and I live in Norfolk in the UK. My tea obsession began when a friend introduced me to Teapigs a good few years ago now. Since then, I’ve been insatiable. Steepster introduced me to a world of tea I never knew existed, and my goal is now to TRY ALL THE TEAS. Or most of them, anyway.

I still have a deep rooted (and probably life-long) preference for black tea. My all-time favourite is Assam, but Ceylon and Darjeeling also occupy a place in my heart. Flavoured black tea can be a beautiful thing, and I like a good chai latte in the winter.

I also drink a lot of rooibos/honeybush tea, particularly on an evening. Sometimes they’re the best dessert replacements, too. White teas are a staple in summer — their lightness and delicate nature is something I can always appreciate on a hot day.

I’m still warming up to green teas and oolongs. I don’t think they’ll ever be my favourites, with a few rare exceptions, but I don’t hate them anymore. My experience of these teas is still very much a work-in-progress. I’m also beginning to explore pu’erh, both ripened and raw. That’s my latest challenge!

I’m still searching for the perfect fruit tea. One without hibiscus. That actually tastes of fruit.

You’ve probably had enough of me now, so I’m going to shut up. Needless to say, though, I really love tea. Long may the journey continue!

My rating system:

91-100: The Holy Grail. Flawless teas I will never forget.

81-90: Outstanding. Pretty much perfection, and happiness in a cup.

71-80: Amazing. A tea to savour, and one I’ll keep coming back to.

61-70: Very good. The majority of things are as they should be. A pleasing cup.

51-60: Good. Not outstanding, but has merit.

41-50: Average. It’s not horrible, but I’ve definitely had better. There’s probably still something about it I’m not keen on.

31-40: Almost enjoyable, but something about it is not for me.

11-30: Pretty bad. It probably makes me screw my face up when I take a sip, but it’s not completely undrinkable.

0-10: Ugh. No. Never again. To me, undrinkable.

Location

Norfolk, UK

Following These People

Moderator Tools

Mark as Spammer