92

This is probably the first aged tea I encountered that can match up against the best examples of young sheng I’ve had. It’s just a shame that it is so expensive. I like the taste, although it really only shines after swallowing with its neverending huigan and a unique, sort of expanding and numbing, mouthfeel. The liquor texture is likewise among the best – slick and full bodied. Cha qi is pretty heavy, but not extremely aggressive. The energy seems to be mostly focused around head and spine.

Shortly after I got this sample, there was a noticeable humid storage aroma reminiscent of dungeons / castles, more so than in the other YQH teas I got. Now, after almost a year in my storage, this note is basically gone though. The aroma is crisp, warming and nutty with notes of milk and incense instead.

The taste is very sweet, woody and tart initially. Texture wise, the liquor is bubbly and smooth. There is a mild camphor sensation as well as some astringency. In the second steep, the flavour profile gets quite heavy with notes cedar wood, celery root, and vegetable broth. Mild bitterness appears in the very thick and full-bodied third infusion. The aftertaste is sugary sweet with a hint of vanilla to it.

There is definitely more to uncover here, the flavours are basic yet unique in some way. For example, for 12th steep I wrote: “woody with a twist of coffee and soil”. If I get another order from YQH and it is still available, I may grab a cake.

Flavors: Bitter, Camphor, Cedar, Celery, Coffee, Earth, Milk, Nutty, Sugar, Sweet, Tart, Thick, Vanilla, Vegetable Broth, Wood

Preparation
205 °F / 96 °C 0 min, 15 sec 7 g 5 OZ / 140 ML
tea-sipper

I love the dungeon comparison!

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tea-sipper

I love the dungeon comparison!

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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.

Location

Innsbruck, Austria

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