2017 Spring Mi Lan Xiang 蜜兰香 old bushes

I found this tea to be one of the best black teas I have tasted.
Nose; beautiful florals, rose, gardenia, light tulse, parsnip, orchid, very light ozone, like a forest after a rain. delightful.
Palate; similar to nose with the addition of rambutan and plumeria, and a sparkling character.

I had the 2016 version of this tea and am told by the vendor they are very similar, but that waiting a year for it to develop will change it and is preferred.

My notes will echo to BigDaddy’s. These leaves were skillfully processed and are from good terroir. The honey, orchid, and wild rose fragrance of the brewed leaves is pungent and intoxicating. It reminds me of what a proper, upper tier Dan Cong should be. I used my chaozhou pot, gaiwan, and glass tumbler at work—while the chaozhou clay enhances the purity and depth of the tea, the experience consistent across brewing devices.

Definitive and distinct structure in both texture, flavor, and depth — it coats the center, sides and back of the tongue revealing an interesting confluence of rock sugar, orchid florals, crisp peach, and complex wood and mineral notes presented together. There is real depth and presence that is felt in the sides of the tongue and back of the throat. This one is something to experience and won’t empty your wallet.

First time drinking this company’s teas.
Free samples, don’t you just love the anticipation of trying something different with no expectation except they don’t usually give it out free if it sucks. I purchased a sizeable order and this was the free sample sent along. I like oolongs, and generally the higher the quality the more expensive the tea. So oolong drinking can empty the pockets fast. This is listed at 100 gr for $40 bucks or somewhere about $3 a session for me. A session lasts about 3 hours of pleasure so it’s in the realm of affordable. I start from this point in my contemplation of future purchases, the deciding factor being the flavor. Now for the session.
I used my Dan Cong Yixing pot and had at it. As the water hits the leaves an ambrosial cavalcade of honey orchid hits the nose, “dude, quick, put the lid on and stop whiffing.” The first brew is sweetish, it tastes as its fragrance does, over bounding with orchid floral aromas. The next 4 steeps are why I drink tea. Pure bliss, the leaves open up and pour out their beauty. All are over the top floral with a sweet honey at the start of the sip and ending down the throat. There is a gentle dryness slash astringency that is to be expected and in this case relished in the middle sides on the tongue. The aromas and florals hang around it seems forever. Did fall off like I thought after the 7th steep but still managed to brew a few more after that. Nice tea sessions set up the day, makes you smile, relax and face the day.
This is a good, good tea and for the price will definitely be in the cupboard when next I order.