The dry leaves have an AMAZING aroma! There is a very high note that reminds me of mint, for some reason, but I do not claim to be experienced or good at discerning flavors! It smells rich, rich, rich.
The tea is lighter in color and heft than Hao Ya A and has a nice sweetness. It does not have the body or rich mouth-feel of Golden Monkey, but is quite good. I may be way off base in this comparison but the taste reminds me a bit of Teavana’s Golden Monkey. (Teavana’s GM has the aroma of Harney’s Golden Monkey but lacks the rich, honey-and- caramel flavor of it. )
The cocoa notes are there, but are not as pronounced as those in Harney’s Hao Ya A or in Premium Steap’s Emperor’s Red. This is a very nice tea. My guest loved it, youngest daughter says she still prefers Hao Ya A but thought it was very good.
JacquelineM, I will send a sample of this your way when I get to Southern Season to pick up Wild Forest Oolong!
