Mmmm. I think that TeaEqualsBliss said that this was bold yet comforting, and she’s exactly right.
This is my first Yunnan tea. The dry leaves themselves smell a bit peppery, and they’re a really pretty gold/black color. Steeping these was really fun, because the leaves proceeded to twist and jiggle their way around until they unfurled and grew to enormous lengths. When poured, the cup is a very pretty amber color.
The best way I can describe this tea is robust. It tastes a bit earthy, but a pure earth flavor, not like dirt. More like if dirt were refined and recycled into an absolutely delicious substance. I don’t know. There is a slight edge of bitterness, but it was more on the side of malty. And there wasn’t any astringency to speak of.
I kept trying to taste that unique Yunnan peppery flavor, but I really couldn’t detect it. Maybe my tastebuds and tea knowledge aren’t up to snuff yet, or perhaps this tea isn’t the highest quality Yunnan out there. I sat in my chair with my hands cupped around the mug, sipping this quietly and reveling in the flavor. I really enjoyed this cup!
