Organic Yunnan Golden Needle

Any of you who’ve seen my other updates regarding Golden Needles, Gold Buds, or – hell – anything with the word “gold” in it will know where this is going. This was the most perfect of the perfect. Smooth and creamy, honey-like, malty, nectarine-rich, and basic Midas-touched excellence. If I have any gripe, it’s that I think I brewed it too light. Even with that personal snag, though, it turned out majestic. This was Christ-on-a-pogo-stick perfect.

Full Review: http://www.teaviews.com/2011/04/04/review-american-tea-room-organic-yunnan-golden-needles-4/

Incredible, and one of the best of its type. As the others have said, it is creamy and chocolaty while also having a slight woody backnote that gives it some structure. Remarkable.

(Caveat: The sample I received was labeled “Golden Yunnan” and advised steeping @ 200 for 5 minutes. I hope/assume it’s this tea).

Wow. What a smooth, full-bodied, flavorful cup this is. I brewed it for the full five minutes suggested, all the while worrying it might turn bitter, but such was not the case. No bitterness whatsoever. I did not get the tobacco notes — which is fine with me, because I’m not fond of tobacco or anything smoky — but I did sense honey, dark chocolate, caramel and a hint of fresh-baked bread. The mouth-feel is sort of thick and heavy, in a pleasant way, but there is no aftertaste. The liquor is golden-reddish-brown.

This is robust without being rough. Elegant, even. But not delicate. It’s bursting with smooth, addictive flavor. This is how black tea should taste. I’d love to have more of this.

Indicative of a good Yunnan Golden Needle the taste is very smooth and some of the Yunnan characteristics are somewhat mellow. There are consistent notes of tobacco and honey and even a touch of wood. It also had notes of dark chocolate, starch, and spice. A little malt, a touch of astringency and delightfully rich.