New Tasting Notes
(Summer 2023) Wow, far out. Super malty, nutty, with a fresh-baked baklava nose. A real generous earthy mouthful, with hay and dry leaf matter, and a beautiful honeyed, layered smoothness. Paired with sexy generous roast fruit. Keeps delivering and changing through many steeps. Love.
Another sipdown from the past week! My nephew and sister stayed with us for a bit, and I made a big pot of this tea to finish off the packet (which I got from a TTB). My sister loves rooibos but doesn’t like fruity or floral flavors, and my nephew loves chai, so this was the perfect choice for all of us. I still maintain that this is basically liquefied red cinnamon candy hearts rather than chai, but still — it’s a fun one! Very kid-friendly, as long as the kid in question enjoys cinnamon.
Sharing tea with loved ones brings me great joy, so it was delightful to finish off this tea alongside family. :)
2024 sipdown count: 16
Flavors: Candy, Cinnamon, Sweet
2024 Sipdown Challenge | April | A tea from a swap or a sample
Yikes, I haven’t written a tasting note in two months! I’ve been distracted by some life transitions — all planned, intended, and positive, but still, I’ve been working to rediscover my rhythm and balance. That leaves less time for internet stuff and more time for real-world stuff… which includes drinking tea, but not necessarily logging it!
Aaanyway, I finished this one a few days ago after grabbing it from a TTB last year. The first few cups had a lovely (if understated) cherry cola vibe laced with a bit of peach, but the final two cups were a bit lacking on the cherry flavor. Still yum.
2024 sipdown count: 15
Flavors: Cherry, Cola, Peach
Ashmanra’s sipdown challenge – April 2024 Tea #5 – A tea with a special meaning to you
I tend to only drink this one if I feel the need to alleviate extra, more than usual anxiety. So I guess it’s a specially helpful tea? Still one of my very favorites. Still surprised it is so good, every time I have it, as one of my oldest teas. Luckily, not a sipdown yet. I am still searching for an Earl that can match it… don’t believe it’s possible.
Had a nice note all written out and then chrome decided to delete it. Yay. Or maybe I should blame myself for not letting my eyes be able to be torn away from Iron Flame. Either way, once again here are notes from this most delectable oolong.
Dry aroma: dry white sesame seeds.
Dry appearance: dark green and tightly twisted balls
Flavor: Charcoal, sesame, floral undertones, minerality
Mouthfeel: incredibly smooth. With each infusion it becomes a bit silkier..
Wet leaf: charcoal and sesame
With each infusion, it gets better and better. I have no idea of what number I’m on. 10? I have no idea. But my kettle is empty so I’m thinking I’ll make the rest into an iced version for while I sit at my daughter’s swim team.
Edit: YUP! This makes an awesome tea on the go. Sesame, floral notes, minerality up the wazoo. So good.
