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I don’t know what a cactus flower should smell like but this tea reminds me of men’s aftershave. I’ve been mixing it with a green tea mao feng to make it more tea-like.

Days after I suffered the news that my beloved Jasmine Oolong had been discontinued by a certain “Place where tea goes when it dies” I may have found a worthy replacement.

I overlooked this tea a few times because, honestly, dry leaf smell is strong and overly floral. Very very feminine smelling, and I’m a dude I use tools to fix stuff. But on my last trip to ZenTea I decided to just go ahead and grab some. Holy Smokes! I’m glad I did!

The TGY base for this is fantastic. Take away the magnolia scent and it’s easily one of the best oolongs in the store. And contrary to what the dry leaf smell would have you believe it’s not at all over powered by the magnolia scent. The magnolia seems to highlight certain aspects of the TGY, I’m constantly getting a citrus note, and another thing that’s almost coconut but really just reminds me of suntan lotion. I know that sounds gross but I’m really enjoying this. There’s complexity here. I digs.

Stopped by the local tea house and grabbed a few things. This Nilgiri from Tiger Hill is quite nice. It reminds me of a second flush Darjeeling with the fruitiness. It also has a woody, chestnutty character. When it cools it gets a chocolate note. I’m pleased.

I may be sick but I can still taste this one!

I’m trying to make room for some 2013 crop green teas, but I’m still sick and I can’t taste anything. This tea was good last time I had it, but it could be anything today and I wouldn’t know the difference. I’ve barely left my couch in 24 hours. Go Braves!

I’m very sick. Send help. Have the help bring tea.

btw I added fennel to this because 12 things in a tisane is not enough things. Also fennel and peppermint are just the cat’s pajamas together.

It’s 20 year old tea. That’s cool. My tasting notes on this aren’t very concise because I’m also smoking hookah and eating pizza rolls, but lemme tell you, it’s some dark tea. Full bodied, full flavored, earth, and leather. I’ve never really been much of a puerh drinker but I seriously appreciate that there’s no fishyness in this one like I get with some shu puerhs. It’s just very leathery with a sweetness on the finish. It’s probably not the best 20 year old puerh out there but, it’s ok.

EDIT: No, you know what? It’s better than ok. It’s fruity after five steepings. I’m bumping up my rating.

I’ll be up all night transcribing music and charting songs. This tea will be my study buddy! It’s a highly underestimated tea. I find it sitting in my cupboard all unassuming, minding it’s own business. I always forget that it’s actually a pretty good tea. The only thing is, it doesn’t have any real defining characteristics (other than the shape of the leaves). It could be any chinese “red” tea you’ve ever had. Honey and malt. Nonetheless, it’s good tea and good company. Back to work go I.

Why do we have to make this about Valentine’s day? Why can’t I just enjoy this tea year round? Let’s not put such labels on good tea. Tastes like an Andes mint. The red sprinkles leaves a red ring around my mug.

This is… so good. Thank you Stephanie for the sample, I finally got around to it. Second flush > first flush. This is just so fruity! Like strawberry and lychee. There’s a small amount of floral. I have a couple of first flush darjeelings in the cupboard and this blows them all away. More bold, more fruit, mo’ flava.