This is my very first experience with “Duck ßh*t aroma” oolong and while I always wanted to try this mysterious tea, I am not sure I really wanted to try it today after very awful day at work.
That’s why I acutally started with La Via del Té one, but this comes after a little nap.
I steeped as suggested by vendor, 40 seconds being first steep using all 5 grams today in my 100 ml gaiwan, second a little shorter and then steeps with shorter, approx. 10 seconds increments.
The leaves were wonderful to look at, twisted, glossy and long, with no particular aroma detected, even though I have used a preheated gaiwan. Maybe I was just too tired or unfocused.
However, the aroma after first steep is very strong and fragrant. It tickles my nose, with something I am not able to describe well, but I think it can be that English name of it. It is very specific combination of mineral notes with fruits and florals.
As of taste of first steep, I am again pretty much clueless, but it is smooth and not bitter or astringent, very mouthcoating, but what the flavours are?
Second steep was 25 seconds only. Used leaves became more mineral, and a little salty maybe? The liquor is again very mouth coating and I do notice gardenia as in the oolong I had which was with those flowers. But this one was more intense, almost like an incense stick. Also it reminds me Pardubice Dobra Cajovna tearoom in such a way. After cooling a bit more, it is a little soapy to me… so that floral note is too strong for me.
In third steep I have noticed florals combined with some stonefruits, which are very ripe, almost melting like. Maybe it is a little like mirabelle plums? That aroma of this tea is very distinctive! A little less soap-y.
Fourth steep was approx. 50 seconds long as I needed to clean spilled water a bit and turned on the countdown a little later. But seems to be best steep? The soapy notes are gone and instead I got a nice, somehow fruity, notes.
And I steeped it a few more times, but let’s finish this tasting note here.
Do I like it? Well, I am not that sure. It was interesting and the mouthfeel was nice and long-lasting, however… well, it seems it is indeed taste to be acquired. And for that I would need more than 5 grams. Also 5 grams seem to be a little too strong, but I didn’t wanted to keep an awkward amount left. I may get a small bag when I place another order there.
Interesting that you got stonefruit instead of oranges. I can see how this tea could be too floral for some people.