This was a free sample from Paul at white2tea and I am very grateful that he sent it to me. It has been lurking in the back of the cupboard, awaiting the time when I might be able to take a moment from my schedule to fully appreciate it. This morning is that time.
The dry leaf smells green and slightly composty with a note of warm horse. It promises much at first sniff. Looking at it, I see brown, green and silver leaf. It’s chopped but not excessively so. The cake is loose. That might be a result of taking the sample from the beeng.
When I pour the hot water onto it, the leaf immediately releases a thick floral aroma. It’s not cloying though. The liquor is a thick amber colour. The website describes the tea as ‘burly’. There is certainly nothing wishy washy about it so far. All of the elements of it are strong and bold. The taste is the same. There is strong astringency with sweet, floral and fruity notes, and strong spice in the aftertaste with perhaps a hint of pepper. There’s a lot going on there, and I am not sure that I am the best person to parse the range of flavours. I am aware of the range, but at a loss to differentiate all the elements. Perhaps I should lay that out as a challenge to others. I really like this tea. It has great body and good legs, both in the liquor and in the aftertaste.
Flavors: Astringent, Green, Pepper, Spices
Preparation
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Actually, why am I even bothering writing my own tasting notes when Hobbes has nailed it perfectly? http://half-dipper.blogspot.co.uk/2013/03/2012-ruiyuan-laoshucha.html
Thanks for this I had not seen this post by Hobbes. I love this cake I ended up buying a few to store. When I tried it in my sample it was very surprising to me that such a good tea was plantation. I’m actually happy that the farmer is proud of his crop as it is as opposed to try to pass it for older trees. This one earned my respect in the sense that plantation does not mean weak. :)
I agree with most of this! Like JC I picked up a few of these before it sold out.
Unfortunately I missed out on this one and it is also the one where I learned the lesson — “if you think you want a tea that is not in widespread distribution, buy it for it might be gone when you do go back to purchase it!”
Totally agree, DigniTea. A beeng or brick is a sample. A tong is a basic purchase. Now if only I had enough money to put that into practice! :) But, yes, if you see a tea that you like, buy it immediately if you can because it might not be there later.
Because now its your note we are reading!
Actually, why am I even bothering writing my own tasting notes when Hobbes has nailed it perfectly? http://half-dipper.blogspot.co.uk/2013/03/2012-ruiyuan-laoshucha.html
Thanks for this I had not seen this post by Hobbes. I love this cake I ended up buying a few to store. When I tried it in my sample it was very surprising to me that such a good tea was plantation. I’m actually happy that the farmer is proud of his crop as it is as opposed to try to pass it for older trees. This one earned my respect in the sense that plantation does not mean weak. :)
I agree with most of this! Like JC I picked up a few of these before it sold out.
Unfortunately I missed out on this one and it is also the one where I learned the lesson — “if you think you want a tea that is not in widespread distribution, buy it for it might be gone when you do go back to purchase it!”
Totally agree, DigniTea. A beeng or brick is a sample. A tong is a basic purchase. Now if only I had enough money to put that into practice! :) But, yes, if you see a tea that you like, buy it immediately if you can because it might not be there later.
Because now its your note we are reading!