3 Tasting Notes
Note: This is not the exact variety of tea I have, which is named simply ‘Pu Li’. Wikipedia seems to think it’s a variety of Pu-ehr.
This tea is extremely smoky, and somehow still light, as Asian teas are wont to be. It’s got the subtle grassy undertones of a green tea, and the freshness of white, but the overarching flavour, which somehow seems to connect the two, is a smoky, dark tint.
Overall, this tea is nice, and in a certain mood I could greatly enjoy it. As it is, I find it a little heavy right now; then again, I have never been a great fan of smoky teas, and greens are not my favourite.
Preparation
Note: My variety of Ti Kuan Yin is actually not from Adagio Teas but bought in Singapore. I am unaware of the brand.
Tikuanyin:
Despite the fact that the water wasn’t quite hot enough to brew the tea correctly, this beautiful oolong brew is fresh and subtle with a beautiful hint of smoky flavour underneath. One of my favourite aspects of the tea, I would have to say, is the undercurrent of grass that comes through in even just one sip. It’s not overwhelming, like some Japenese teas, but gives the tea a fantastic feature that just tilts it into something that isn’t boring but intriguing.
I feel a little bit like I’m keeping a secret when I drink this tea, because the undertones are so perfectly blended and come out just the right amounts as you drink it. Each flavour has its winning moment: the initial taste is of that classic green tea/oolong flavour; bland but fresh and nice. And then comes the grassy aspect, as the tea settles on your tongue, just enough to add an interesting twist on the tea. And as it slides down your throat, suddenly you’re aware of a beautiful smoky aftertaste it has left on your tongue.
Overall, I quite enjoyed this tea and I think it will have to be one I add to my regular rotation.
Preparation
My first reaction to this tea was surprising. Having tried many of T2’s other Capital City teas (such as Melbourne Breakfast and Sydney Breakfast), I was expecting something strong and bitter and not at all fruity. Instead, I was assaulted by the scent of apple and tea as it steeped, and I found upon tasting that it is a beautiful light flavour with a hidden intensity that blends perfectly with the apple flavour.
In short, this tea is a gorgeous blend and I will have to travel to Hobart to see if it really represents the city or not.
Overall, a fantastic tea that I am hoping to enjoy for a long time yet.
