85

I love star anise, so I was really looking forward to this sample I got from derk. The dry leaf aroma displays star anise and black licorice. I didn’t pick up anyhting behind these, but truth be told, my olfactory abilities are still very much impaired by the sickness. Same goes for the wet leaf smell, which is much more pungent and very woodsy. Amazing aroma, there’s no denying that.

The taste is also reminiscent of licorice, but I think I actually like it much more than licorice itself. It doesn’t overpower the Ai Lao black tea characteristics, which are present, rather it is a nice complement to it. It’s fruity, sour with a bitter finish and fragrant aftertaste. I’m loving it.

This is probably the first scented/blended tea that I actually liked. I feel that the scenting here adds to and complements the experience rather than covers a subpar (at best) tea. I will need to pay even more attention to WPT. Several times, I already almost placed an order on their teas, but got put off by the high shipping costs.

edit: The second steep is far less spectacular, I would definitely recommend western style brewing with probably just one infusion.

Flavors: Anise, Astringent, Bark, Bitter, Cherry, Fruity, Licorice, Medicinal, Sour, Wood

Preparation
205 °F / 96 °C 1 min, 30 sec 3 g 7 OZ / 200 ML
derk

This is a lovely tea to have post-Indian or other highly spiced meals as a digestive. I prefer it over house chai at restaurants which I almost always find lacking in spices and milk isn’t something I want post-meal. Glad you enjoyed.

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derk

This is a lovely tea to have post-Indian or other highly spiced meals as a digestive. I prefer it over house chai at restaurants which I almost always find lacking in spices and milk isn’t something I want post-meal. Glad you enjoyed.

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Bio

Hi, I am a researcher in math, physics and computer science. Apart from teas and mathematics, I enjoy sports and traveling, as well as music of all kinds. Connect at https://rateyourmusic.com/~Togo

I had been drinking Japanese green tea for a while before discovering the world of tea in 2017. I rarely drink blends and generally avoid artificially scented teas. Other than that I try to keep it varied.

My rating description:
100 _ Unforgettable tea, an experience that changes your life.
90 – 100 _ Excellent tea.
80 – 90 _ Very enjoyable, I will buy again.
70 – 80 _ I enjoyed it, but I most likely won’t be buying it again.
60 – 70 _ Decent.
50 – 60 _ Average, forgettable.
40 – 50 _ I didn’t really like the tea, but it is drinkable.
0 – 40 _ I would prefer to avoid the tea.

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Innsbruck, Austria

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