359 Tasting Notes
Ya, ya, I’m drinking and reviewing Port again.
What can I say? I have become a total Port-head.
Not my fault…it’s highly addictive. I don’t even think about stoping, that’s how hooked I am.
I continuously think about how good my next fix will me. I can smell it even when it’s not around.
I get tremors of anticipation as I prepare it in my little clay pot.
The taste is so complex, I don’t even know how to describe it anymore…see pervious notes!
Never thought I’d say this, but I love being a Port-head!!
As Amy Winehouse’s song goes…«they tried to make me go to tea-hab, but I said no, no, no!!»
A friend of mine just came back from Peru and visited me this afternoon. He’s not really a tea drinker, but he loves when I prepare it for him. He likes the set ups, the teaware, and thinks I’m some king of tea prodigy, haha!
He doesn’t always like the tea though…especially when I try so desperately to make him like pu’erh, telling him it tastes like forest and chocolate. It always ends up tasting like “pu poo” to him. Oops. Sorry friend. I get over enthusiastic sometimes.
Today, I took it easy on him and prepared my favourite high mountain green oolong. To me, this tea is better than any Ali Shan or Tie Guan Yin I’ve had.
It’s beautifully crafted, and the leaves unfurl to perfection, looking like seaweeds.
The taste is ethereal. Floral, but not in a flower bomb mouth kind of way. It has a buttery creaminess to it that creates a sweet and silky mouthfeel. Perfectly balanced.
The minerals are intensified by the clay pot. It’s just such a lovely tea.
It’s spicy and minty at the same time. Nutmeg and spearmint.
He loved it, yay, victory!
Before leaving, he presented a gift to me. Said he was sorry not to have searched for tea to bring back for me. Instead, he brought a very special present that symbolizes friendship. A Peruvian sterling silver ring. It took my breath away. I will wear that ring with so much pride. Friendship is so precious…
Pics of the tea session…(and the ring)
Oooh, that ring is gorgeous! :D
I love it!
Awwww!
Oh that was so sweet of him!
Thank you…I really like it :-)
super ring!
Cool. Love pics as usual;)
That’s awesome. Happy that you had a nice afternoon with your friend.
Thanks guys…I feel very lucky.
You are a tea king prodigy, rather accurate!
Haha! Cwyn, I just noticed my typo! Lol, I make quite a girly king :-)
Well I interpreted it as a double pun on Tea King puerh cakes! :) rather clever!
Haha! Totally unintentional so I won’t take any credit for it :-)
Oh my, this tea…
Ok, I have to admit: this is hands down one of the best friggin Dancong I have had to date.
It’s all citrus essential oils. Orange and clementine’s breeze, rounded by a roasted nutty cashew creaminess.
There’s a peppery finish, the way a good olive oil can be. I also get cilantro notes.
(Ok, note to self: make an orange, cashew, cilantro olive oil salad and drink this tea next time)
The citrus lingers forever and ever. Amen. Get this.
In other news, it’s that time of year here when tons of dragonflies gather above my rooftop, forming a big cloud. There’s literarily hundreds of them. It’s quite a phenomenon. They are so beautiful and whimsical. Iridescent blues and greens…just stunning.
This will last for about a week, every evening just before it gets dark.
You’ll guess, I have a thing for dragonflies. There’s just a mystic aura about them, so intriguing and fascinating.
I’m not superstitious, but I’d like to think they bring good luck. If not, at least I know for sure they bring me joy and happiness, just like this tea does :-)
Pic:
I really liked this tea. A lot.
I love this review! Any chance we could get a pic of the dragonflies? They sound amazing!!!!
Thanks sarsy. I tried. Its does’t come out nice at all, looks more like a blur. But it was very dark due to clouds tonight, will try again :-)
sounds amazing, i hope its not floral.
No, this one isn’t boychik, all roasted, nutty and citrus :-)
I remember the first time I made this…I was in my living room and had all the doors open…brewed it and then went outside for a few minutes and was really confused when I came back in because I knew I had forgotten to buy oranges but smelled them. The citrus notes are fantastic. :)
Yes, it’s unmistakably orange…what’s so amazing is how long the taste stays with you… Like I’m done drinking for a good 15 minutes now and the citrus is sill in my mouth.
Oh I should get it. Especially with free ship I don’t have to think what to include in my order;)
Citrus? UhOh…. I’m not going to like this.
Really happy that you do!!!!
OMG want
Did you buy this one? It’s not lemony though, just very orangey dex…but I know you’re not a fan of anything citrus :-o
Stephanie, it’s really worth trying :-)
Boychik, don’t rub it in please….I’m in Canada, remember? :-(
I need to start saving for a WP order
I’ve heard good things about the Huang Zhi Xiang from Seven Cups
Your first order Stephanie?
But you have awesome Tao Tea Leaf. If not Marzipan I would have to pay &14 in ship ;-)
Lol, I did pay $13!!!! It wasn’t free due to the sale and shipping here was almost as expensive as for you guys,,,,find another argument haha!
No kidding, I don’t pay shipping with WP anyways cause my orders always go over $75 …sigh. Too many good teas!
You had me until cilantro.
Don’t let that stop you marzi, it’s just a very subjective note that someone else would not necessarily find. If you like citrus, chances are you would love this.
TTF, really? but you are in Canada. i didnt know that. I thought those rate for US customers. I know, we have much better ship option almost always. Cilantro? i hate it. its like soap to me. just tell me no cilantro. i dont mind cilantro seed
Lol, cilantro totally tastes like citrus to me, so maybe that’s what my reference is :-) and like I just mentioned ^ ^
, it’s just a subtle note I got, not a “flavour”.
Disliking cilantro is genetic, I just learned that not long ago.
Today, I went to the market and picked up a giant cauliflower to oven roast, and some corn on a cobs. Now that cherry season is over, I’m all into corn on a cob, can’t get enough of it!
When I came back, I wanted a comforting tea. It’s been raining a lot here lately and it’s rather on the cool side.
This tea was purchased during Butiki’s birthday sale.
I’m already a fan of Darjeeling SF, but this has a different profile than a typical second flush.
I don’t get that fruity “grapey” muscatel I normally associate with SF.
Surprisingly, I get bitter chocolate and tobacco mostly, with floral notes.
It’s malty and full bodied. The’s a nice astringent finish, well balanced by the natural sweetness of this tea.
It’s provided a very good afternoon sipping, glad I got 2oz of this.
Pic of the session:
Today was a grey day with no rain…I much prefer rain.
I went in the woods to get bad vibes out of my system. I saw all kinds of beauty, and it filled my head with positive energy.
Never underestimate the power of nature.
I promised myself I would try some of my new high end dark oolong from Toa Tea Leaf.
Tonight, I chose this “almond” Phoenix Dancong. Another miracle of nature.
How does a tea get so naturally floral and nutty is beyond comprehension.
I would say this has pretty much the same profile as honey orchid oolong, except it is not as sweet, and more nutty. Roasted nuts, with an orchid opening and a light astringent finish.
This type of oolong has to be brewed with very short steeps, otherwise, it turns bitter.
The wet leaf smells like a luxuriant garden of lilac and orchids. That fragrance is just intoxicating.
Needless to say, I love it. Is it for every one? Maybe not. First, it is quite expensive and I’m not sure this flavour profile would suit you if you’ve never really experiment with oolongs. I would try with something more “friendly” like Tie Guan Yin first.
All in all, a very good tea that I’m enjoying a lot tonight.
Pic for those who are interested:
I got 5g sample of this to try. dont really like flowery oolongs but who knows. maybe I will. love the setup as usual ;)
Well, I can’t wait to see what you think! I feel I have a flower bomb in my mouth, wonder if it’s my tastebuds playing tricks on me! I was expecting a lot more toasted notes. The leaves are really beautiful.
Tomorrow, I’m trying their award winning Big Red Robe! Can’t wait.
whats the temp?195F?
Well I followed instructions at 212, but will go lower next time.
all his instructions @212. its not right.
did you buy 25g?
did you get Bei Dou Oolong? Amazing. pure pot, i swear(never tried in my life, but smell is unmistakable)
Of that one yes, cause I wasn’t sure. More of the others. 100g BRR, 50g Honey Orchid.
Did you try some of their other oolongs?
so far only Bei Dou Oolong and rice tuo
Lol, I did read your note, but no, didn’t get that one.
I got TTL and Jing Tea Shop(JTS) same day. I like JTS a lot.
if they are going to do similar sale by New Year i will get some more for sure. Quality teas
JTS? Don’t know that one….were they having a sale too?
http://www.jingteashop.com/
No sale, but not too expensive to try, ship only $5 and pretty fast. apt recommended me. Im impressed
sorry, ship is $5.9
Lol, NOT that I need MORE tea, but will bookmark them…just in case, ya know.
this sounds wonderful! since it’s on the greenish side, would you say it’s anything like a Pouchong?
Remember i told you i was secretly hoping to hate those teas. i really didnt want to brunch into new types. i like 25g option. you cannot really decided if its good or bad with 5g. what if you mess up(like i did today with Arbor Mist)
Pyarkaaloo, It’s hard to answer cause this is NOT supposed to taste green! I’d say it’s a lot bolder than pouchong. It’s missing the buttery taste and it’s astringent, and pouchong is clearly not. But to me, it does taste almost as floral as baozhong pouchong. Lol, don’t know if what I just said helps, but that’s the best I could come up with :-)
Yes boychik, that’s why I never order under 25g!! I want a second chance :-)
Lol, yes, who needs more tea addiction, right?
I feel like all flavored teas are dead for me.
Oh my, me too!!! But I still bought some from butiki…the ONLY one.
teafairy: you should definitely try JTS sometime in the future!
thanku, TeaFairy! what you said makes perfect sense to me :) i’m familiar with the various oolongs & their characteristics but you are by far the expert!
The Pouchong i had was indeed light, buttery, gently floral & had a wonderful rice pudding note. could have been the coconut flavoring!
I like Baozhong(Pouchong) for casual, western brews.
Apt, I’m sure JTS is in my future :-) (sooner than later, sigh…)
Pyarkaaloo, FYI, this is the best baozhong pouchong I have ever had and the only one I keep in permanent stash:
http://www.tealux.ca/wenshan_baozhong_reserve?search_string=Wenshan
LTF that picture is magical.
Aw man, this is floral? Sad face. XD
Thank you Marzi, I think tea is one of the best subject for photography…
Cameron, this was not supposed to be such a floral though….will have to try it afain, I was very surprised myself.
Now I’m thinking should I try this sample or try Bai mu dan JTS. Oh decisions!
Oh, please try this one!! Want to see if you get similar profil!!!
KK ;)
First, I want to thank Angel at Teavivre for asking me to be part of the tasting activity program. I received five beautiful pu’erh sheng samples today, and I am happy to start reviewing them.
The care put in those samples is amazing. The leaves from this cake chunk are beautifully separated, with very minimum breakage.
Using 8g for 5oz yixing clay pot.
It’s undeniable, the first steeps provide a very floral mouthfeel, nice bouquet. It’s crisp and bright with a light astringency that already tingles my tongue.
The smell of the wet leaf is so fragrant and beautiful. Autumn leaves and hay. Love that humid and mossy scent.
Later steeps bring a certain sweetness. It’s juicy and fruity. I get apples and grapes. It’s delicious.
The ending of the sip is all about grapefruit for me, that light bitterness you find in the Ruby Red variety.
It’s not offensive, but it’s there and it gives a lot of character to this lovely sheng. This will steep forever, I can tell. I might cold brew it before the leaves are all spent.
I am very grateful for this wonderful experience.
Thanks again Angel for allowing me to try this raw pu’erh.
EDT: Oh, and as the lovely Sarsonator pointed out, I forgot the pic! Here it is:
You forgot to link your lovely photo :)
Did you get an email from Angel or an update on your Teavivre account when the samples were shipped to you? I was also offered a sample package, but haven’t gotten any indication about its status yet.
Lol, sarsy, you are cute! The pic is now added :-)
Christina, I received a PM yesterday from Angel letting me know my samples had arrived at the post office. She’ll probably do the same when yours arrive, if not, just PM her. She is the greatest!
Gaiwan -leaf combo is just gorgeous. Such vivid colors.
Thanks boychik! I love that gaiwan for pics! I weigh my tea in it :-)
i’ll use more leaf next time.
I know I can’t expect blissful happiness everyday, but I can expect blissful tea every time I drink Wild Monk 2012.
I recently bought a beautiful yixing clay pot from Mandela and of course, I had to season it with Wild Monk today.
It’s late in the night, and I decided to drink just that. Cause why shouldn’t I?
This tea puts me in a meditation state every time. It invades all my senses, and gives me the inner peace I seek so desperately. The fragrance is made of dreams and wishes…
Smokey campfire scent that mixes with fresh morning dew, humid grass and moss.
Sugarcane sweet, earthy and musky notes, fresh menthol with just enough smoke to remind me how wood could taste like…nature’s “ingredients”.
This tea makes me see bright colours. Tonight, it’s a warm yellow.
Thank you Mandala, I cherish this tea.
Pics:
I like your note.
I like your rock.
I like you.
You are way too kind, dear sarsy <3
<3
Beautiful
Concisely described with poetic clarity! With exceptional tea inspiration “is included at no extra charge.”
Thanks stephanie!
LooseTman, Free inspiration is a blessing :-)
And so are you!
sheng is ripe i think.
or was it raw?
oh! its raw. i have a bunch of raw and ripe Pu-ehr coming in the mail
Kirkoneill1988 you should check out our puerh thread on the discussions page. Lots of good stuff about puerh.
can you send me a steepster message with the link?
Here ya go, kirk
http://steepster.com/discuss/5496-pu-erh-of-the-day-sheng-or-shou
Kirkoneill1988 just followed you. We can message and get each others updates if you do the same.
This tea is not out yet, i just found out tonight. I’ve had a sample for a little while now but was sitting on it for god knows what reason. Well whatever the reason was, it was a good one cause i don’t think I could have had a better session than tonight with it. It was the perfect timing.
Granted I love pretty much all types of oolong, I drink it everyday. I seek quality though. Don’t want to drink anything generic.
So I was pretty excited to try this one cause Big Red Robe is a highly praised oolong. And I like BRR a lot usually.
Just the smell of the dry leaf is divine: baked goods, roasted chestnut and almond, sweet and velvety. However, the first thing I get in steep one is a strong floral mouthfeel. The tea is just waking up.
Then, it’s a party in the mouth. Honey, almond, and the unthinkable…toasted coconut. That nice almost milky sweetness you get from coconut flakes toasted in the oven. This is all very subjective of course, it doesn’t make this tea anywhere near a flavoured coconut oolong. It’s just reminiscent of it.
It’s complex but so easy to drink. Nice rock minerals develop, and it remains very sweet.
It gets very juicy and refreshing, like a bright citrusy and oaky white wine.
Thank you Brenden for this generous sample. This is fancy oolong. I’m happy I got to try it, and I love that I had plenty to make a very satisfying gongfu session!
Pic’s session:
Lucky girl! I love your tasting notes, I totally want this tea now.
This tea definitely sounds like a party tea. :)
mmmm
Blodeuyn, I want ALL WP teas!!! (Lol, maybe I DO have all his teas…)
T’was delish you lovely gals!!
I need to try this ! DHP is amazing!
Yeah, I love DHP too, I don’t know why I don’t drink it more often
this is good
And why have I not tried this tea before? Because I’ve been stupid, that’s why!
Using 7g for medium gaiwan.
It’s such a beautiful leaf. A mix of pale green, gold, and dark purplish brown.
http://instagram.com/p/rc29iYwhy8/
Oh, that’s a big wow…I’ve been drinking it two days in a row. It’s probably one of the best pu’erh sheng I have drank so far.
It’s so sweet! Really, at one point during the session, it felt like I was drinking honey. It has none of the acidic astringency sometimes found in sheng.
It’s just a tad smokey, and that smoke seems to fade away as the tea gets sweeter. Cause yes, it keeps getting sweeter. I taste sweet corn…and buttered green beans.
it’s also a little woody, some cedar and fresh camphor notes at the end of the sip make my tongue tingle and my body warm. I love that feeling…
It’s so juicy, and it’s as if it sparkles in my mouth like fine champaign would.
20 + gongfu steeps and it keeps on giving…
Happy mouth. Happy soul. Happy fairy.
Pic of the brew:
I am so jealous that I can barely stand it. I had some less than amazing purple tea experiences in the past, so I skipped this one. Now I am kicking myself!!!!
That makes two of us…I’m kicking for ordering so little!!!
Blaarrgghh.. maybe I will just order some. I want more Foxy Roxy also, Foxy Roxy.
Lol. Who the hell is foxy roxy???
(Innocent face)
She’s some girl I know. Cute. Fun at parties. You know the type. :p
Haha!!
Wait a minute… Fun at parties? Fairy, you holding out on me?
Lol, i invited you but you didn’t come silly!!! Moon parties, sheng parties…RIGHT HERE ON STEEPSTER :-)
Excellent tea.
The fact that you like it, makes me like it even more mrmopar :-)
Excellent descriptive review!
We used to sell 2010 and 2011 harvests. The smoke note didn’t really start until 2012, which shocked me a bit when I first tasted 2012. This is one of my special teas that I only brew when I know I can dedicate at least 10 steepings to.
Today was a good day. I was reunited with my beloved PTA. (Note to self: NEVER RUN OUT OF THIS AGAIN!! )
I received a humongous Butiki order….with other goodies inside.
Yes, I was the winner of the free mug and free tea during the contest, yay, and thanks to Stacy for allowing us Canadians participate :-)
So in her honour, I am having PTA in my new butiki lizard mug tonight!
I was so thrilled about the mug, I wanted it so much cause ya know, I am some kind of teaware freak. Oh, yes I am.
It is one of the most unique mug I have ever seen. I don’t know what kind on ceramic it is made of, but it has a mat finish, almost like a clay…and that mini butiki lizard, how cute!
I vote for it to become Butiki’s official mug!!
And the tea…oh this tea. Sour dough bread and chocolate covered raisins, with cinnamon dust. So good i could eat it!
It’s malty and sweet, with that certain je ne sais quoi those famous taiwanese black teas have.
I just love it. And with 6oz now in the cupboard, I feel more relaxed.
Thanks again Stacy for everything.
That’s what I call a great tea day, y’all. Very good for my inner happiness!!
Pic of the mug and tea:
So happy for you with your awesome stash and super cute mug :)
Thanks, me tooooo :-)
Congrats on being the Butiki winner of the free mug and tea!
Thank you!!!
I should have mentioned though that the 6oz of PTA is NOT the free tea!!
I got 1994 Aged Bai Hao for that , yum!
Just awesome! Enjoy TTF ! Cute Lizard!
Thanks sweetie.
LOL did you just say 6oz of PTA?? You did stock up!
Lol, I do drink a lot of tea ;-)
You are so lucky – The mug looks super cool!
Thanks CK, i was very lucky :-)
lol, you’re cute :P
Tea Fairy, your reviews make me want to buy the tea. Port Head is a good comment, very amusing.
Hehe…just try it allan, you’ll see what I mean :-)
Totally have that song in my head now! Can’t wait to try this one for myself. :)
Lol, I love that song :-)
You just got Port in your order right?
Yup I did!
Just for fun if you liked Amy Winehouse you might like this singer. She’s Italian.
Giusy Ferreri – Novembre: http://youtu.be/orVIoKcJcvU
Passione Positiva – Giusy Ferreri (Intera più Tes…: http://youtu.be/eSYeZQotC68
Non Ti Scordar Mai Di Me: http://youtu.be/d5CFNgqdy5I
She sounds great, thanks yyz :-)