110 Tasting Notes
1 tbsp in 12 oz
Forgot how much I liked this! It seems that Taiwanese black tea can do no wrong as far as I’m concerned. I love every single one I’ve tried. I’ve decided that as a group, they are my favorite kind of tea. Subtle differences between them, but all just the perfect mouthfeel and sweetness level for me. YUM.
Preparation
When I ran out of PG Tips (which I often drink for my morning tea when I am not interested in subtlety, but just need to wake up), I saw a small box of this at the tea shop and decided to give it a try to compare. I’m gonna stick with PG Tips. This is decent, basic black tea in the same sort of style, but it doesn’t have as much flavor to me. I’m just more fond of the PG Tips.
I LOVE PG Tips too!
I’m slathering for my favorite store to restock PG tips looseleaf (they sold by the ounce); they have this; it may have to be my fallback.
Oh, and around here, Typhoo is really hard to find anyway and more expensive. I’m glad I didn’t like it better than PG!
2 heaping tsps in 12 oz
Wow, now I don’t know if I prefer this one or the Imperial Mojiang. The leaves are gorgeous. Perfectly straight needles. Not a single one broken. It has a very rich, heavy mouthfeel. And perhaps for the first time, I am finding a tea pleasantly astringent. Usually when I find a tea astringent, I consider it a negative, but this one has a very slight astringency which balances well with its “thickness”. Hope that makes some sense.
BTW, this note is for the Spring 2013 plucking.
Next up will have to be a side by side taste test of these two marvelous teas.
Preparation
I’m gonna have to put in an order with this company, I remember thinking they have a nice selection of teapots awhile back. What is the deal with the .com site vs the .us site, is one overseas and the other here?
YS has a site in China as well as one in the US. The shipping cost less from the US site, but the selection is not as large.
Oh, I didn’t even know about the 2 sites. I used the .com. Will have to see if these teas are available at the other one!
Just checked, and they aren’t. Interesting… Shipping from China was only about 10 days, but I recall it being quite expensive. On the other hand, the tea itself was priced very low for the quality, so it all balances out.
I go back and forth with these two. I just love the thick rich taste that I don’t find in many other teas.
1 tbsp in 12oz
Every time I don’t have this tea for a couple of weeks and then have it again, it’s an experience. Seriously, there can be no better taste on earth than this. It’s crazy how much I love it. Nothing else compares. Other Taiwanese blacks are kind of similar but this one is unique and just amazing.
Just a couple of tablespoons left to hold me until it’s available again. Eek.
Preparation
So jealous! I don’t have any and have to wait to try it…aren’t teas like that the best? Yay.
(And don’t worry, I’m not fishing for a swap. Just realized that may have come off as passive aggressive beggining, ha!)
*begging. Wow brain, wake up.
Haha, ifjuly… If I had more, I would trade (even thought you aren’t begging), but I got the last ounce Stacy had and have to make it last. ;)
I have this on my wish list too. Have you tried the Mi Xian Black from Stacy? t’s yummy!
Stop it already! I can’t read any more reviews of this tea knowing I can’t buy it until the summer!
LOL, Doug… The Mi Xian Black is amazing too. Very similar though a bit “drier”.
2 heaping tsp for 12 oz
The best Dian Hong I’ve ever had. Thanks to Doug F for turning me on to this. It has all the classic Dian Hong flavor that I’ve come to expect with zero astringency and a very smooth, rich mouthfeel. Love love love…
I might brew it a little stronger next time to see how that goes. It is so smooth, that I bet I could get even more flavor out of it without risking too much astringency or bitterness.
Preparation
Sounds yummy!!
The photo looks alot like Golden Fleece!
I haven’t had Golden Fleece, but this tea is amazing, and at such a reasonable price even with shipping from China. It is beautiful tea!
Phew! I was hoping you would like it as much as I do. In terms of leaf measurement, I find it hard to use a teaspoon because the leaves aren’t compact. I pretty much just eyeball it. I usually steep it for four minutes.
Thanks, Doug! It is nerve wracking to recommend things to people. :)
Totally second that, Taiwanese Black, especially Butikis are my all time favourites!
Me too! Me too!
I’m having this one in the morning for sure.
Yeppppppp great tea, still waiting for the wild mountain black tea to be back in stock so I can try it.