Received as a sample.
Washed leaves have a pickled or brined vegetal note, not quite vinegar but close.
Single wash on these.
Infusion 1 – 205F at 15 Sec
Mellow and mild, a bit of shengy tang, we will see if it opens up. Pretty good mouth feel or at least it is not abrasive. Super mild astringency and drying effect.
Infusion 2 – 212F at 20 Sec
Staying mild, a little bit of tang that lingers on the tongue. It’s an easy an approachable tea just one-dimensional. I actually dig that approachability.
Infusion 3 – 210F at 35 Sec
Pulling a bit more flavor out of this with heat and time, it’s tangy without being overpowering. Just pretty plain or straightforward, nothing new developing.
Infusions 4-6
Getting more bitter, not in a bad way, with maybe a smokiness? Kind of a mao cha feeling, I can dig it. There’s a subtle sweetness on the finish too. I would call that a sense of complexity. Just not depth.
Infusions 7+
The same pleasant bitterness persists, the leaves have legs too if you’re into continuing the steeping.
Overall, not great, not terrible. It’s good.
Flavors: Astringent, Bittersweet, Drying, Tangy
