An interesting tea that combines the refreshing bitterness of young sheng with heavier fruity sweetness and woody notes. It is by no means something I would drink every day, but there are times when it just fits perfectly.
The aroma has a base layer of woody, malty and grassy floral scents. Beyond that, there are nuances that are a bit hard to pinpoint. Some fairly unusual associations come to mind, such as PVC, human semen and cloves.
Taste is pungent and likewise multilayered. It is bitter, sweet, woody, but also herbaceous with a refreshingly juicy quality to it and a cooling, astringent aftertaste. Specific flavours include cranberry, chocolate, apple, fermented fruits and dried apricots. These are complemented by sage flower note and further dried fruit in the aftertaste.
The texture is reasonably airy, but the main sensation is mouth-numbing, which I guess makes the tea feel lighter than it actually is. The cha qi is somewhat energizing overall.
Flavors: Alcohol, Apple, Apricot, Bitter, Chocolate, Cloves, Cranberry, Dried Fruit, Floral, Flowers, Fruity, Grass, Herbaceous, Herbs, Malt, Sage, Sweet, Wood
I appreciate your unabashed description of the aroma!