Another Atlas Tea Club hand-me-down: Mr. Lin’s Ruby 18; Taiwan. When adequately leafed (I botched the first cup; too much water) and a slightly longer steep than the packet recommended (4 minutes, not 3), if I wasn’t reading the provenance, I wouldn’t have pegged it as a black tea.
It has a lovely red-gold color, and to me, presents the same fruity elements as a good Darjeeling. Some reviews mention menthol afternotes. I might be picking that up in the scent of the cooled cup.
Even though my tastebuds aren’t picking out all the flavor nuances that are reportedly in play, I can still confirm that it is high quality, sophisticated leaf.
