100

I try not to read vendor descriptions when reviewing a new tea, so I can have a clear mind and interpret the tea on my own, but this is a tea that I bought because I read the description and it sounded nice. I have to say the notes given by Taiwan Tea Crafts this time are actually quite on point. I do get the fresh stone fruit notes like peach and cherry. Even more so the most obvious note is the aroma and flavor of violets, which I wouldn’t even know of except that I’ve found a favorite cocktail lately called Aviation that has Creme de Violette in it, and a friend also made me some crostinis for my birthday with a violet vinaigrette on it. This tea really smells like violets, and I love that. There are some undertones of vanilla, as suggested, and a bit of a cooling wintergreen freshness in the finish, more in sensation than flavor, but perhaps a bit in flavor as well.

I’m brewing this in a small flat Gongfu Pot. I’m not going to go through many infusions in my review, so I can sit and enjoy this tea. Those previous notes were for the first. The second infusion is very rich and sweet. Makes me salivate a lot, and now the violet taste is definitely more a “candied violet” like the description said. The third infusion is still quite rich but even more smooth and a bit caramely. Flavors are similar to the first two but with a bit of malty and woody flavors in the background.

Overall i’m very impressed by this tea. It is easily among the best black or red teas I’ve had now. This one has a unique flavor profile in comparison to many others I’ve had. It’s no wonder since it is made with Qing Xin leaves from Shan Lin Xi and Jin Xuan leaves. This tea is deserving of its competition achievements. Well done, Jin Long!

Flavors: Candy, Mint, Stonefruit, Vanilla, Violet

Preparation
195 °F / 90 °C 0 min, 15 sec 4 tsp 100 OZ / 2957 ML

Login or sign up to leave a comment.

People who liked this

Login or sign up to leave a comment.

Profile

Bio

Hi there, fellow tea lovers.

My name’s Lion and I’m a Gongfu Cha practitioner, so I usually brew with a gaiwan for reviews unless there’s a more suitable brewing method, like using Japanese teawares for Japanese teas. I tend to stick to straight loose teas and scented teas in general, seldom dabbling in herbal and flavored teas. My favorite tea is Kenyan Silver Needle.

Aside from tea, I’m a generally creative person. I love to cook, write fiction, draw, decorate, garden, and do just about anything creative I can get my paws on.

Animals are really important to me. I’m a lion at heart, and I strive to better understand, respect, and appreciate other animals as best as I can. I advocate for better stewardship of wildlife and captive animals. We’ve still got a lot to learn.

For a long time I rated every tea I tried, but these days I don’t rate them unless they’re exceptional and deserving of a high rating. Here’s my rating breakdown for my reviews with ratings:

0 = Unpalatable, harsh
25 = Unenjoyable
50 = I’m indifferent
75 = Enjoyable, average
90+ = The best, would buy more
100 = Incredible, a favorite

Location

Kansas City, USA

Following These People

Moderator Tools

Mark as Spammer