Oh interesting.
The dry leaf smells earthy and smokey, and there’s a touch of sea weed. I’m reminded more of a lapsang souchong or pu’erh than a green tea. The leaf is dark, uniform and tapered – very elegant looking.
My first steep is at 80C for 25 seconds. The liquor is a kind of washed out amber colour, very pretty and unique. The taste is light and delicate. Forefront is the taste of smoke, and then in behind that is a lot of earth and some creamy, nuttiness. As I drink this steeping, a sweetness develops at the opening of the sip. A bit of smoke lingers on the finish.
Second steep 79C, 25 seconds. The leaf is starting to smell sweeter, and the colour has shifted to a yellow green colour. Still smokey, a touch sweet and this steep has some flora notes, primarily jasmine. The mouth feel is quite light and just a touch drying.
Third steep, 80C, 30 seconds. Smokey, floral, a bit more bitter. The sweetness has faded out somewhat.
Fourth, 80C, 25 seconds. The smoke is diminishing, and the floral notes are coming out stronger. A bit astringent.
This is nice, but it’s not an easy drinking tea. I think there’s a fair bit more left in these leaves, but I’m done.
Flavors: Astringent, Creamy, Earth, Jasmine, Nutty, Seaweed, Smoke
