I got my Verdant sampler yesterday, so I was really eager to try something from it this morning. When I opened the the packet, the dry leaf smelled fantastic: strong and fragrant (I don’t mean floral when I use fragrant).
The first steeping was for 30 seconds. It was smooth, slightly buttery, but dark and richly earthy. No bitterness or astringency. No dry mouth aftertaste.
The second steeping was about a minute. This was smooth, but even darker. I can see why some people compare it to cocoa. It had the feel, but not the taste, of a very, very dark chocolate. It also had these fantastic roasted notes. It tasted slightly less earthy to me, but still as satisfying. I also started to get traces of something spicy, not the hot kind of spicy, but just having some sort of spice to it. I don’t know what to label it though.
I’m on my third steeping now (again about a minute) and it’s very similiar to the second steeping, but a little lighter. The earth tones have come back a little more. I don’t feel the spice as much.
I loved this cup of tea! :-) I’m so glad the sample has enough for one or two more cups.
