Very enticing sweet aroma from the dry leaves; it’s loosely compressed so I carefully break it apart to fit a ~160ml glazed teapot. It’s actually the second time I brew this tea, last time I dropped and shattered the gaiwan on first steep, so I’m using something with a handle today, just in case the tea is cursed.
Quick rinse, roast/charcoal dominates the wet leaf aroma; let it rest for about 5 minutes and the aroma settles at floral/orchid-ish with the roast clearly evident but not as dominating.
First brew at ~95C for ~20s. Immediate wet leaf aroma is charcoal, but returns to the sweet floral/orchid notes quickly. The liqour is nice and and clear orange/brown, leaving a tiny bit of charcoal in the strainer. It has a thick, full body, buttery consistency that covers the mouth and throat immediately. Slight astringency on the tip of the tongue, with long-lasting citrus-y/floral aftertaste.
A few steeps in, the tea is more balanced with the roast mellowing out slightly. I will be steeping this all evening by the looks of it. Recommended if you like (heavily) roasted teas; good leaf quality, good overall balance, good excellent longevity.
Flavors: Char, Citrus, Floral, Orange, Orchid
