This was yet another generous free sample from Teavivre.
I’ve spent the day drinking this and really enjoying it. Upon opening the packet I was hit by a waft of hay and spice. The dry leaf looked to be in large pieces if not whole leaves. Upon steeping the leaves turned green and it became clear that my initial impression was correct. The liquor was a light amber colour and gave off a floral aroma, like orchids. The taste was light and yet full, being peppery with fruity rum and raisin notes. I got little in the way of astringency, except when the cats distracted me by demanding attention and I steeped it for a tad too long. Even that was pleasant and left a peppery aftertaste on the tongue. It has lasted me all day, amounting to about twelve steeps, so the tea has pretty good legs. Overall, this is a good tea that I would be happy to drink more of. Good job I have a second sample pack, eh? I might try the next packet at a higher temperature and with a longer steeping time to see how that fares, given that Teavivre recommends 100 degrees C and a steep time of 5 to 10 minutes. Yes, 5 to 10 minutes! That seems like an awfully long time when I am in the habit of brewing shengs for 10-15 seconds at a time.
Flavors: Black Pepper, Hay, Orchid, Raisins, Rum, Spices
Preparation
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Mmm, this one sounds really good! One for the wishlist.
Wow, you actually make me want to retry pu-erh again.
i think i’ve tried this tea before. some teas i can steep for over 5 minutes like this one :) http://steepster.com/teas/yunnan-sourcing/48693-2006-nan-jian-phoenix-ripe-pu-erh-tea-mini-brick
others become extremely bitter :(
Indeed, some teas are more tolerant of excessive steeping. I tried this one with a five and ten minute steep. It turned out to be quite drinkable when I did this, with no bitterness. However, and it is a big HOWEVER, it really lacked the character of the gong fu brewing, and few of the notes I got from cooler brewing were present when I drank it.
some teas can be steeped long and not be bitter but gets bitter when cooled down
I found this tea had more character when brewed at 85-90 degrees C. When brewed at a higher temperature it seemed to have less going for it. I usually brew young shengs cooler anyway because they can be quite bitter at higher temperatures.
Mmm, this one sounds really good! One for the wishlist.
Wow, you actually make me want to retry pu-erh again.
i think i’ve tried this tea before. some teas i can steep for over 5 minutes like this one :) http://steepster.com/teas/yunnan-sourcing/48693-2006-nan-jian-phoenix-ripe-pu-erh-tea-mini-brick
others become extremely bitter :(
Indeed, some teas are more tolerant of excessive steeping. I tried this one with a five and ten minute steep. It turned out to be quite drinkable when I did this, with no bitterness. However, and it is a big HOWEVER, it really lacked the character of the gong fu brewing, and few of the notes I got from cooler brewing were present when I drank it.
some teas can be steeped long and not be bitter but gets bitter when cooled down
I found this tea had more character when brewed at 85-90 degrees C. When brewed at a higher temperature it seemed to have less going for it. I usually brew young shengs cooler anyway because they can be quite bitter at higher temperatures.