1040 Tasting Notes
I got this as a sample with my Butiki order. I only have enough for one cup, so I was really careful to measure the water, and steep according to directions.
I thought it was a bit weak at first, then added some rock sugar (ok more than I thought it should need) and that definitely brought out more of the flavors. It’s sweet and tastes of maple syrup, I can taste the pecans (maybe just a hint of bitter from the nuts).
This isn’t my fav tea, but it’s not bad either.
Wow acidic. I steeped according to directions. This smells lemony and has some lemon after taste, but it’s really acidic, burn your tongue acidic. Not sure why I’m the only one who feels this way? It’s getting a little better as it cools, but this is defiantly not for me.
This one smells just like the name suggests. I found the flavor to be less pronounced than it smells. The flavor was more at the end, and as an after taste. I found this a little strange, and I’m not sure I liked it. As the tea cooled, the flavor did come more forward, but I’m not sure about this one, will have to try it again.
Almond Indulgence? I didn’t get much almond flavor at all. In fact I didn’t get much black tea flavor at all. I found this to be really weak, even when made with more leaves than suggested, and longer steep time.
Are your measurements 8oz. of water? Natural flavor can be a little more subtle but in reading your reviews, it seems that something isn’t working. I’ve never read so many reviews of Butiki Tea’s with off tasting comments. Filtered water,temp,timing and measurements all correctly administered should normally work out.
I’m not sure why I don’t like Butiki’s flavored black teas. I tried this one again tonight and have added a new tasting note, and adjusted my rating up a bit. I still found this to be very weak until I added more sugar, but by the time I added enough sugar to make the flavors pop, it was too sweet. Still not a fan, and it would make me happy to like this tea.
I have been desperately seeking a replacement for the discontinued “Creamy Nut Oolong” from Teaopia. While this isn’t it, it is getting closer than some others oolongs I’ve tried. This is more nutty/woodsy than Quangzhou Milk Oolong from Davids Tea, but still not as much as I would like. This has just a hint of caramel, really more just a hint of sweet than caramel. I will drink this, it’s not bad, just does not compare to my much loved Creamy Nut Oolong. The search continues.
Disappointed. This is another tea that I don’t think is bad, just not named correctly. I think this should be called apple crumble. It’s heavy on the apple and cinnamon, light on the nut flavor. All in all this is enjoyable to drink but if you are looking for a “nutty” tea, this isn’t it. At least not for me.
I think inexperience is hitting me again. This is not quite what I was expecting. My limited experience with Oolong has been with flavored ones. I was expecting this to be more “woody” and less “grassy”. The leaves are beautiful when unfurled, and the tea is light and delicate, but like I said maybe a bit too grassy for my tastes. I think I would prefer an oolong that is more toasted? not sure of the right word, but this one is too green for me. I don’t think it’s bad, just not what I was expecting.
Oolongs are so different from one another, I can understand your confusion if you’ve had only flavored ones. If you like the «toasted» taste, you should look for a more roasted oolong, they tend to have toasty or burnt flavors, and they are less floral. My favorite at the moment is 2003 Reserve Four Season Oolong from Butiki’s. I think you would definitely love it based on what you just wrote :-)
Thanks for the recommendation TeaFairy. I will check that one from Butiki’s. I’m still at the, I need to learn what I like, phase of my tea journey. Really appreciate the comments.
Dexter, the best part of the tea journey is that it never ends, no matter which phase you’re at! You will find everything you need and more here on Steepster for that…happy discoveries!
