This is the final tea in an order I made from Mountain Stream several years ago. Given my well-known penchant for bug-bitten teas, it was inevitable that I’d pick this up, especially given Derk’s glowing review. It isn’t currently on their website, so I’m following Derk’s parameters of 30, 45, 60, 70, 80, 90, 120, and 240 seconds using 6 g of leaf in 120 ml of 195F water.
The heady dry aroma is of honey, grain, and citrus. The first steep is very light and immediately indicates by its strong cereal aroma that this is a roasted tea. I get lots of honey, citrus, rose, and wood. The next steep is stronger and has citrus, cherry, grain, mild spices, rose, and lots of honey, but also a touch of astringency. The aftertaste is woody, drying, and a bit sour, though the honey aroma at the bottom of the cup is mouthwatering. The next couple steeps feature the same flavours, but the fruit starts to disappear by steep five, leaving honey, grain, and roast. The end of the session is much like a black tea, with notes of malt, honey, and tannins.
While I enjoyed the fruity flavours and beautiful aromas in this tea, the roast was quite noticeable and I didn’t think it was well integrated. I’ve had many bug-bitten teas and am a bit spoiled regarding this type, and my rating probably reflects that. The tea also lacks longevity. I won’t have trouble finishing my 25 g pouch, but am glad I didn’t buy more.
Flavors: Astringent, Cherry, Citrus, Drying, Grain, Honey, Malt, Roasted, Rose, Spices, Sweet, Tannin, Wood
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Oh, I remember this one clearly and the way I felt after drinking it. The roasty flavor, like if you could lightly today honey, was well integrated for me. Maybe you had a different harvest or age didn’t treat it well. If not, then a case of different palates! Looks like I’m the only person here who truly enjoyed it :P
I looked it up and I had the 2019 harvest, so age definitely could be a factor. I didn’t get any body feels from this tea, but then I usually don’t get body sensations (except for white teas, which tend to hit me hard). The fruity flavours were nice, but dissipated quickly. Do you want me to send the rest of this in our swap?
A sample would be nice :)
Okay, will do. :) It’d be nice to give this tea a good home.
Oh, I remember this one clearly and the way I felt after drinking it. The roasty flavor, like if you could lightly today honey, was well integrated for me. Maybe you had a different harvest or age didn’t treat it well. If not, then a case of different palates! Looks like I’m the only person here who truly enjoyed it :P
I looked it up and I had the 2019 harvest, so age definitely could be a factor. I didn’t get any body feels from this tea, but then I usually don’t get body sensations (except for white teas, which tend to hit me hard). The fruity flavours were nice, but dissipated quickly. Do you want me to send the rest of this in our swap?
A sample would be nice :)
Okay, will do. :) It’d be nice to give this tea a good home.