Pu-erh Vanilla Mint

I need to get used to Pu-erhs. I just got this one and I really like it while I’m drinking it but the after taste – I need to get used to. It might be because I’m a novice when it comes to Pu-erhs and perhaps one develops a taste and appreciation for it. I’m not knocking it by any means. I like it. I need to give it some more time. I am calling it my thinking tea. The aroma is really nice.

The mint and vanilla work well together here. I can’t taste the pu-erh that much, which might be a good thing.

1st steep releases the bomb of mint, very loud and up-front. Which is great for a peppermint fan; just be prepared for it.
2nd lets the full orchestra come into play. The pu-erh earthiness builds and forms a backbone while the vanilla, cinnamon and licorice do their jobs as balancing condiment spices. To note, I think some are perhaps mislead into thinking that because a flavor is listed in the name of a tea that it should be singled out as a major taste in the profile—I feel that the vanilla is a minor note that is perfectly represented in balancing the earthy with the tart in this blend. The proportions couldn’t be better.
3rd & 4th steeps let the mint recede and the full character and balance shine through. An interesting take on pu-erh and herbals, and though I found it quite unique and well-made, I’m not sure it would enter my regular rotation.
Well-paired with a VaPerO or Va/Oriental blend such as GL Pease Cairo or Peterson Irish Oak, to counterpoint the earthy spice and upfront pepper & sweetness.

I’ve reviewed this blend on Teaviews and ran through the 1 oz sample they sent me for review purposes in record time. The cup brews up very dark…almost coffee dark in color. The puerh is almost a non issue in this blend, but it does offer a rich earthy tea base (though not too earthy). The licorice (a flavor I don’t normally care for) blends spectacularly with the puerh, vanilla, and mint flavors. I found myself playing peek-a-boo with cinnamon and chocolate notes. Also, the mint in this is very fresh. Rishi seems to have a great source for fresh mint to use in their blends. I have already re-purchased this item——and I can’t help but wonder if this would be good when blended with a bit of Rishi’s Ginger Puerh?? I might have to try that.