This tea arrived while I was on vacation. I knew I had to check this one out because I love wuyi oolongs and shui xians are one of my favorites. I steeped this up in the yixing teapot I have reserved just for wuyi oolongs.
First steep: around 30 seconds. I get the burnt caramel flavor that I love about these teas. There is definitely an aroma of mango somewhere in the nose as well as a nice raisin in the flavor. I think this steep is a little light for me.
Second steep: one minute, 15 seconds. The aroma of the tea is incredibly fragrant sitting next to me. I like the longer steep quite a bit better. Now I am picking up on the bit of banana referenced in Verdant’s tasting note and the sweetness I am used to in Shui Xians is starting to unfold.
Third steep: one minute. Some notes are coming through like dried apricots and creme brulee. Still very warming and soothing with a lingering aftertaste. A very nice shui xian. I’ve had a few I liked better but I will enjoy finishing off the bag.
