I wish I had more of this tea, like all the previous Old Tree Black offerings from Old Ways Tea. I had one bag, which I drank during the Steepster Freeze. Old notes, fairly illegible.

Like the other 3 years I’ve had (2016, 2017, 2018), this one had a great, complex strength in aroma and taste. It reminded me most of the 2018 harvest, and I think that’s because there was an umami quality present in this one that wasn’t there in the 2016 and 2017 harvests.

Main taste profile included pumpkin candy, wet rocks, sunflower seeds, rose-orchid-sunflower florals, almond, blackberry, antique wood, malt, bright leather and a tangy apricot-orange tone. Creamy finish with lychee, morphing into apple and peaches and cream. Long lasting floral aftertaste developed vapors of nutmeg that grew stronger. Ginger heat, camphor cool.

I can’t recommended the Old Tree Black teas enough if you’re willing to pay for a treat! These teas deserve attention and would be a fun learning experience for anybody wanting to develop their palate and understand complexity.

Flavors: Almond, Apple, Apricot, Blackberry, Brown Sugar, Camphor, Candy, Cream, Creamy, Floral, Flowers, Fruity, Ginger, Leather, Lychee, Meat, Nutmeg, Nutty, Oak, Orange, Orchid, Peach, Pumpkin, Roasted Nuts, Rose, Spicy, Tangy, Umami, Wet Rocks

Preparation
200 °F / 93 °C 5 g 3 OZ / 100 ML
Martin Bednář

I don’t mind they are “old”, especially wwhen they aren’t that much. Great Steepster freeze is not that far away :)
I remember, when I did my fist steps with loose leaf, I have even talked to Old Ways Tea owner. I thought about ordering some, but shipping was too high for me back then.

ashmanra

I loved the Old Ways Teas I have tried.

gmathis

Your ability to chase down so many flavor sensations never fails to amaze me. I think I’ve just burnt my taste buds out permanently with my beefy black breakfast stuff ;)

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Comments

Martin Bednář

I don’t mind they are “old”, especially wwhen they aren’t that much. Great Steepster freeze is not that far away :)
I remember, when I did my fist steps with loose leaf, I have even talked to Old Ways Tea owner. I thought about ordering some, but shipping was too high for me back then.

ashmanra

I loved the Old Ways Teas I have tried.

gmathis

Your ability to chase down so many flavor sensations never fails to amaze me. I think I’ve just burnt my taste buds out permanently with my beefy black breakfast stuff ;)

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This place, like the rest of the internet, is dead and overrun with bots. And thus I step away.

Eventual tea farmer. If you are a tea grower, want to grow your own plants or are simply curious, please follow me so we can chat.

I most enjoy loose-leaf, unflavored teas and tisanes. Teabags have their place. Some of my favorite teas have a profound effect on mind and body rather than having a specific flavor profile. Terpene fiend.

Favorite teas generally come from China (all provinces), Taiwan, India (Nilgiri and Manipur). Frequently enjoyed though less sipped are teas from Georgia, Japan, Nepal and Darjeeling. While I’m not actively on the hunt, a goal of mine is to try tea from every country that makes it available to the North American market. This is to gain a vague understanding of how Camellia sinensis performs in different climates. I realize that borders are arbitrary and some countries are huge with many climates and tea-growing regions.

I’m convinced European countries make the best herbal teas.

Personal Rating Scale:

100-90: A tea I can lose myself into. Something about it makes me slow down and appreciate not only the tea but all of life or a moment in time. If it’s a bagged or herbal tea, it’s of standout quality in comparison to similar items.

89-80: Fits my profile well enough to buy again.

79-70: Not a preferred tea. I might buy more or try a different harvest. Would gladly have a cup if offered.

69-60: Not necessarily a bad tea but one that I won’t buy again. Would have a cup if offered.

59-1: Lacking several elements, strangely clunky, possess off flavors/aroma/texture or something about it makes me not want to finish.

Unrated: Haven’t made up my mind or some other reason. If it’s pu’er, I likely think it needs more age.

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California, USA

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