I got this in the mail yesterday from an Ebay seller and tried it right away on opening. :D It was only around $5 with shipping so I just had to buy it as I was looking for some more Wild Tree teas. I was hoping it would be a lot like Teavivre’s Nonpareil Yunnan Dian Hong Ancient Wild Tree and it is slightly, but the Teavivre has a little bit of extra specialness that I love – maybe that tangy quality which is why I was looking for a Wild Tree tea in the first place. At least this tea is something that I can really enjoy and I’m not disappointed in it. The leaves are large and dusty black resulting in a light brew. The taste has that flavor that I’ve only found in Fujian teas, though it is tough to describe (like a volcanic/charcoal flavor). Otherwise, it’s like burnt sugar or caramel with tobacco and a little of that tangy flavor I’m looking for. On first taking a sip, it has a tanginess and tobacco but then like a wave on the sea shore, an incredible sweetness washes in. Very unique!
Steep #1 // 2 tsps. // 10 minutes after boiling // 2 minute steep
Steep #2 // just boiled // 3 minute steep
ETA: Today I tried the Teavivre Ancient Wild Tree steeped the same way and it is actually a LOT different. The Teavivre is much more like plums. So both teas are delicious but very different.