This is a tasting note for the early version; the one that was wild picked
Backlogging…..
I had this last month western style to finish up my sample. I brewed it just like how I would brew the second version of this.
1st Steep: Rich smoky tobacco dry roasted malt
2nd: Similar but less intense and more subdued. It also has a slight smoothness/powdery smoke mouth feel. Has smokey bitterness as well.
3rd Steep: Tastes like cocao, has a slight spice, light smoke, and some woodyness in the flavor.
4th Steep: Last steep more sweet and cocoa like. Very malty and rich.
Cooled: slightly juicy flavor added
It should also be noted that the flavor of bourbon persisted through most of the steepings.
I find it interesting that the different pickings (one wild the other farmed) created a completely different flavor. The wild one has a more manly flavor while the cultivated one is more sweet and feminine. They even look different: wild picked is darker, while the other is lighter. In hindsight I should have added a little milk to the steepings; since I think it would make it taste really chocolaty. I might get another chance though….
I have only a little left of the 2nd version of this tea, which I am saving for a special occasion. Hopefully Verdant Tea gets some more of this in, but if not I am so happy I got to try this wonderful tea. (8^D)
Specifics
Pot:Glass
Sweetener: Sometimes added a bit of light agave
Water:?
Leaf:?
