209/365
I picked this up with my last White2Tea order, largely out of curiosity. I almost went with a full cake, but held back since pu’erh still kinda scares me a bit. I know it shouldn’t, given how much of it I’ve tried now, but it’s an undeniable fact. I’m about ready to place another order, so I figured I’d try this one today and then if I do want a cake I can get it this time.
First steep is pleasant, maybe a touch bland. There’s a light earthiness, and quite a lot of sweetness; I’m reminded of glace icing. It’s a touch thin tasting as pu’erh goes, but very easy to drink. It’s not the kind of tea that requires a lot of thought or concentration, and sometimes that’s just the thing. I will say that something in the scent reminds me of freshly baked waffles. I don’t think it’s just the power of suggestion, but it’s quite intriguing all the same.
Second steep is pretty similar. Nice enough, but not a lot of flavour. A light earthiness again, a touch of sweetness (less than the first steep), with a developing hint of floury doughiness. The texture seems thicker this time; more in line with what I’m used to experiencing with pu’erh. I think this would make a good introductory shou – it’s entirely inoffensive and not likely to put anyone off, but I wish it had a little more flavour.
Third steep, similar. Almost no sweetness now, but everything else is as it was.
Fourth steep..? You guessed it! Similar.
I like this one, but I’m going to stop with four steeps because it’s a little samey and I’m getting a bit bored. I have no doubt that it’s got more life left in it, and on a different (colder?) day I might have stuck with it a while yet. I’m done for today, though. At least I know that I don’t need a cake of this one after all; it’s nice, but I don’t love it as much as I thought I might.
