What an interesting tea! First, it has this unusual quality that I don’t love, (but only in the aroma of the wet leaves) it has this very savory/salty smell that I can only describe as smelling like ham water. I’ve only found this in one other tea I’ve tried so far (a gunpowder green) and I wonder if other people have had a similar experience or if they describe this same smell differently. I’m sure I wouldn’t mind it as much if I could conjure up a different image than a cube of ham in hot water.
Anyhow, this is a really nice white. I feel like it is helping my palate to determine the characteristics specific to a Darjeeling regardless of how it’s processed. It is sweetly floral and does have that classic muscatel characteristic.
I’m in love now! Lingering in my mouth is a satin-smooth French vanilla. Although I fail to describe the different flavors here, this must be the most complex white I’ve ever tasted.
