294 Tasting Notes
I’m brewing this in the Gaiwan. The first steep was light and mellow. The second really opened up and provided a wonderful cup of tea. Somewhat buttery with a floral hint. Green vegetables are another flavor I’m getting. All in all, a very nice brew. May I add it’s 11 pm EST and its very relaxing….
I am drinking this after the 2007. In the Yixing with generous leaf and no rinse. The first steep was light. Maybe I should of rinsed it. Steep 2 is holding its own. Darker. Stronger. Earthier. I do not think I will be able to go through this one for multiple steepings. I know when to say when. Or do I? For the 3rd steep the nuggets seem to be coming apart now. I am still getting the numbness and this mouth coating sensation. It is a very good tea. I probably should have waited another day to try it. It is hard to properly taste it right after the 2007. Besides, I can take no more….
Fair enough….I like your honesty.
This one is VERY good. I think that a 92 is a pretty fair and accurate rating nonetheless.
I will be tasting again. I am sure I will do things differently that may improve it.
Nathaniel, you work for Verdant, right? ;-)
I do, David and I worked together in a Teahouse for a year before we both left. He went on to start Verdant Tea, and I work in a church ministry now but do a few things with Verdant. David is the main man to talk to though.
Well I am finally getting to try the younger sister, brother or cousin of my beloved ‘98. After drinking a weaker ’98 yesterday I was paranoid. I brewed this one up with generous leaf in the Yixing and with no rinse. I let it steep for maybe 3 minutes. The result is a glorious nectar of the Gods. I am definitely getting the sparkle. When I was pouring it out of the Yixing I loved the color contrast with the brown of the teapot. It was a beautiful reddish brown color. I don’t know yet about the sensory overload that the ‘98 provides, even when brewed weak like yesterday. My mind is opening to say the least. This is something that coffee cannot provide. Yes it’s an eye opener but what about the third eye? These Xingyangs stimulate the brain and the body and everything in between. I am only on my first cup. I am not myself until the first sip of tea. Gee David, it looks like I need a tin of this too….
Wonderful! I am so glad that you see the qualities of the Xingyang 1998 in this younger tea. It is definitely not the sensory overload of its brother / ancestor, but I like that. While the 98 seems ethereal, this one seems earth-bound and tangible. I will have to try that 3 minute steep in the yixing. The farmers recommend a lot of leaf and a long steep time as well, so your technique here is probably spot on. I will be curious to see how this compared to the even younger nuggets when you brew those up. The upside of a tin of this is that even though it is the same size as the 1998 tin, it hold 6.5 ounces instead of 3.5.
Thanks for reminding me about the nuggets. It’s obivious I have many teas to sample. Maybe later today. A pound for 80.00. hmmm
I am brewing this in the Gaiwan. I wish I brought more leaf with me. I’m still loving it even though I brewed it too weak. So I’m adding less water now. I’m still getting the flavors but not the intensity as compared to my last tasting. My last tasting was a beautiful affair. This time I’m getting the numbing sensations in my mouth and in my mind. It’s truly a wonderful tea. I’m so glad I ordered the tin to go with the ounce I already had. I’m on my fourth cup and I’m loving it. This time I have mudfigures of ancient China smiling at me. It’s almost like they are saying they too know….
I also brewed this in the Gaiwan. The aroma of the brewed tea hit me as soon as I took the lid off. This is very different. Mouth coating and numbing. I cannot place the flavor. Caramel, no. There will be future experiments with this one including a cold brew. I am getting a slight seaweed ocean taste at the bottom of the cup….
I brewed this in the Gaiwan. When I first smelled the brew I thought I was not going to like it. I let it get stronger. The taste is a floral sweetness. A profile I have yet to encounter. I know I stated in my profile that I do not drink scented teas but I had to try this for some reason. The aftertaste is beyond sweet. A nice change of pace for me. I enjoyed it….
I am brewing this in the Gaiwan. A tsp of tea. My first impression was of seaweed. Very green and vegetal. I am also getting the butter aroma and flavors as I proceed. So far it is very complex. A deeper brew than her spring sister. It is mouth watering. I always like to comment on how a tea makes me feel. This is a feel good tea. A calm body and mind. I am only on cup 3. I have to brew this western style as well soon. With each sip through the thick leaves this tea is putting me at peace. Pure poetry. Zen-like….
Thank you Charles,
I think that you will enjoy the tea Western style as well. I have been having fun with brewing experiments, and this one hasn’t failed me yet. When I did a tasting to unviel this tea in Minneapolis, we all understood better how and why monks would use tea to help with meditation. It just puts you in the frame of mind for it. The poetry and Zen elements are ones I am pleased to see mentioned. It is the other side of tea that nobody can fully put into words.
did you refrigerate it or was it at room temp?
Room temp. An awesome concoction….
love to overnight steep at room temp oolongs