1413 Tasting Notes
2025 sipdown no. 19
This is very close to a high mountain black with waffle-y sweetness and an incredibly smooth body. There’s little to no maltiness, though it creeps in slightly as the tea cools. This is delightfully sweet, so much so that I would choose this over the Mi Xiang black (in a dire situation where not both could be ordered). The resteep of this had a decent amount of flavour as well.
1st steep 2 minutes, 30 seconds
2nd steep 3 minutes, 30 seconds
3rd steep 4 minutes, 30 seconds
2025 sipdown no. 18
Cha Yi sent this as a sample in my order!
I was intrigued to see this oolong is from Japan. I mostly found this to have a creamy flavour with subtle florals (much more subtle than a Si Ji Chun). As the tea is almost fully cooled, more vegetal flavours come forward. Otherwise, it’s a very clean flavour and I quite enjoyed it. I would happily pick 50g of this one up.
The first cup was quite light in flavour as I lowered the steep time. I found the longer steep time allowed this tea to shine more.
1st steep 4 minutes
2nd steep 5 minutes
Preparation
2025 sipdown no. 17
This TGY is smooth and vegetal (as described), with subtle hints of cream. A marked difference from the Cha Yi TGY in my next note. Happily, both were lovely.
1st steep 1 minutes, 30 seconds
2nd steep 2 minutes, 30 seconds
3rd steep 3 minutes, 30 seconds
4th steep 4 minutes, 30 seconds
Preparation
2025 sipdown no. 15
This tea is very cream-forward with sweet hay-like undertones. Florals come out more in the second steep (though not nearly as floral as Four Seasons). There’s still a creamy smoothness, balanced with the floral aspects. As it cools, more vegetal flavours come forward.
This one resteeps really well (I regularly did 4x Western steeps) and I’d happily re-order.
2025 sipdown no. 14
I made this both hot and cold steeped. I always managed to enjoy the hot version without making any notes. Alas, I do remember it was very tasty and easy to drink. The last cup, cold steeped, was absolutely delightful. The juiciness is apparent even in the scent, and the taste does not disappoint. The taste is just as sweet and juicy with flavours of blackcurrant, strawberry, and elderberries coming across. The base is great too, not adding any real flavour of its own, but supporting the fruits. Thank you Martin for such a great tea!
I find this tea quite refreshing both hot and once it’s cooled (ahem, mistakenly forgotten). The floral aspects are smooth and linger in an understated way. There is a subtle undercurrent of creaminess and a bit of sweetness. The entire cup is very balanced and delightful. I also find this tea holds up to oversteeping, never becoming astringent.
Both the second and third steeps had just as much flavour. A really lovely tea!
Harvest: Spring, April 2024
Hopefully as I explore more oolongs, I will be able evolve my palate and add more depth to these notes. :)
Yay waffle tea!