More than impressed by this free sample of Autumn 2022 Laoshan Green from Verdant Tea.
5g sample in 100ml porcelain gaiwan.
Warm leaves smell really roasty, nutty, cacao nibs.
1st infusion (80˚C, 0:20)
- Sweet, delicious, umami seaweed.
- Rating: 88
2nd infusion (81˚C, 0:30)
- Wet leaves smell like snow peas, roasted kale or broccoli, with lovely char, starchy, sweet. Liquor has less sweetness but still subtle fresh vegetal flavour.
- Rating: 85
3rd infusion (83˚C, 0:30)
- I seem to have pushed this harder than the second infusion. Colour is much darker, flavour is stronger, but no astringency, super smooth, just an excellent infusion of a green tea. Strong enough to stand up to food / snacks.
- Rating: 88
4th infusion (84˚C, 0:30)
- Similar to previous.
5th infusion (84˚C, 0:30)
- Still delicious, and I’m amazed because this could pass for a 2nd infusion. Still a bright, fresh flavour, smooth and balanced. These leaves are far higher-quality than I would have expected. Pairing this with my CNY cookies and bak kwa.
- Rating: 89
6th infusion (84˚C, 0:30)
- Gave this to my dad.
Verdict: A great reminder of how delicious Laoshan teas are, and reminder not to be prejudiced against Autumn harvest teas. The longevity and smoothness of these leaves is commendable. I would purchase either from Verdant or from another seller (my boyfriend’s father lives near Laoshan and he sometimes brings back Laoshan tea for me as well, but his version is greener and less strongly roasted than this one).
Flavors: Broccoli, Cacao, Kale, Nuts, Roasted, Seaweed, Snow Peas, Sweet, Vegetables
