From Dark Matter 2016:
Anyone remember that “hangover cure” concoction from the movie Heathers? I kept thinking that’s what this would taste like if I added some OJ. My palate is definately sensitive to smoke flavors so that’s a bit understandable, but there is some other flavor to this that I dislike as well.
I brewed this in a gaiwan with a first steep of about 15 seconds or so (longer than I intended of course) and it was pure ashtray. Okay, I thought the same with the Iron Arhat and I ended up enjoying it once all the flavors harmonized. So I kept going, and going, and eventually it started to get so unpleasant that I started to throw out my cups after drinking half. It seemed to steep forever. Eventually the smoke subsided a bit and I started to get a really bitter front note. It also left my mouth dry and coated with a chemical flavor I can only describe as “oh god I hope I don’t get mouth cancer”.So yea, sample this tea before buying…
Flavors: Smoke, Tar, Tobacco
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i don’t mind smokey flavors at all. the bitterness i’m not too picky on
in fact i love smokey flavours
To each their own. I’m fine when it’s in BBQ, and salmon, and other protein but in tea it’s just been unpleasant. There was something else going on in here though, it might honestly be one of the worst teas I’ve tried.
hmm, i may have to try this to see too
The opinions on this tea, and many others in Dark Matter, have been so polarizing. A really interesting group of teas :)
Yea reading through the other reviews is bizzare. I even had my sig fig try a later steep and he said it tasted like mint!
Gooseberry, I’m with you on keeping smoked BBQ in my plate and out of my cup. Have you tried YS’ Hunan Wild Tips Ye Jian Hand Roasted Hei Cha? It’s much more fruity up front in both taste and aroma. It tastes more like a fruity red tea with the digestive affects ripe pu’er and mouth activity of raw pu’er. Leaving the bag open in my pumidor has improved it.
Tanwuils, I haven’t, but I’ll keep an eye out for it next time I place an order with YS. I still can’t take straight up smoke :)
i don’t mind smokey flavors at all. the bitterness i’m not too picky on
in fact i love smokey flavours
To each their own. I’m fine when it’s in BBQ, and salmon, and other protein but in tea it’s just been unpleasant. There was something else going on in here though, it might honestly be one of the worst teas I’ve tried.
hmm, i may have to try this to see too
The opinions on this tea, and many others in Dark Matter, have been so polarizing. A really interesting group of teas :)
Yea reading through the other reviews is bizzare. I even had my sig fig try a later steep and he said it tasted like mint!
Gooseberry, I’m with you on keeping smoked BBQ in my plate and out of my cup. Have you tried YS’ Hunan Wild Tips Ye Jian Hand Roasted Hei Cha? It’s much more fruity up front in both taste and aroma. It tastes more like a fruity red tea with the digestive affects ripe pu’er and mouth activity of raw pu’er. Leaving the bag open in my pumidor has improved it.
Tanwuils, I haven’t, but I’ll keep an eye out for it next time I place an order with YS. I still can’t take straight up smoke :)