Grr! Steepster ate my tasting note. :( I knew I should have copied it before I hit save.
Anyway, I got a box full of awesome today, from the lovely Miss Claire. I smelled all the unsealed teas and had a really hard time picking one to try first. I ended up with this pu’erh…my very first. (OMG, PU’ERH VIRGIN.)
Dry: Orange! Yum yum. Hubby said “YES! Make this!”
Rinsed, then made a 15-second 1st steep, which I gave to the husband.
Then I made a 2nd 15-second steep for myself.
Aroma: Musky earth and an undertone of sweet orange. This will sound unflattering, but there’s a brand of pump soap I’ve used in public restrooms that has a very similar scent profile, only this is cleaner, organic, calm.
Sip: Complex earth & good antiques, compelling orange flavor. Amazing balance. I’m actually shocked at how mellow and pleasant this is, considering my first impression of the steep smell.
Finish: Slight cooling effect that lingers on the palate for a long time. Also, I feel effing fantastic. What is this? Is my tea spiked? :O
In summary: Great first pu’erh! I’m intrigued and very satisfied. Teas like this are the reason for tea ceremonies. I can’t even imagine just tossing back a cup of this without a thought, like I would a coffee or breakfast black.
ah, im still a pu-erh virgin too…what to do. still afraid to try. maybe when my Earl Grey Pu-erh arrives. yes…i would like that to be my first time (pls God dont let it be awful!)
oh no wait! i have had it. it was earthy and um, earthy. not earthy enough for me to remember i guess ^^’