I’m so glad that I asked Brenden to sample this one because it is quite good. Thank you!
“Apricot, honey, and spice” is on point, as I get that western and grandpa style. The dry aroma has the usual honeyed Autumn leaf pile aroma that any oriental beauty has, and the taste is very delectable. Amidst the sweet notes, there’s almost something savory in the background like butter in smell and taste. Later steeps have a little bit of citrus zest, too. Combined, it’s lovely.
I also usually get peach in Oriental Beauty notes, but this I get pure apricot. I have to say it is by no means dry and immensely fruity. The spice in the background borders on cassia, or cinnamon, but it is a touch sweeter. I would not say clove, but probably nutmeg in the hints mid sip. Honey always finishes it off and coats the roof of my mouth. I’ve yet to find more complexities, but since this tea is so flexible and defined, I could care less about further sophistication.
I still can’t believe I was able to do a grandpa style of this tea. I didn’t verge too much from 4 grams for 9 oz grandpa, and for western, about the same ratio, only 3-4 for eight oz. The shortest I’ve brewed it at was two minutes so far, and three at longest. I’ve yet to try it Gong Fu although I’m certain it will fair well. I’m going to hoard the sample as much as I can, so I will maybe do Gong Fu once, and then do the rest of the sample grandpa and western.
It will be a sad sip down coming soon. I do recommend this tea for anyone looking to expand their oolongs, or to try out Brenden’s collection. Great for the afternoons and mornings, and I’d see it as a summer, fall, and winter tea. My only criticism is perhaps price, but I personally have a hard time finding Oriental Beauties that are not overly dry or malty anyway.
Flavors: Apricot, Autumn Leaf Pile, Butter, Citrus Zest, Honey, Nectar, Smooth, Spices, Sweet
