A free sample from Tea Ave by way of Georgia at Notes on Tea. The dry leaf is a lovely dark green with some stems rolled in, with a sweet floral aroma.
I used 5g (half the sample) in my 100ml gaiwan. One rinse, then 30 sec. at 190 degrees. The first steep was light in body and flavor, reminding me of flowers along with baked goods, but there was a strong aftertaste of sweet grass, like those weeds we used to suck and chew on as kids!
I increased the water temp. to boiling and time to 1 min., then 15 sec. longer for each steep after that. Longer steeping brought out butter, more grass flavor and a cinnamon aroma lingering in the cup. Normally I don’t like grassy teas, but this grass is bursting with freshness and very agreeable! And the mouthfeel remains surprisingly light in spite of all the creamy, buttery sensations. The flavors were stronger after cooling a bit.
This tea lasted about 6 good steeps before tapering off. I don’t have much experience with Taiwanese high mountain oolongs, but I found it interesting and delicious! Excited to try my other samples!
Flavors: Butter, Cinnamon, Creamy, Floral, Freshly Cut Grass
