3 Tasting Notes
This is a very high quality tea. The dried leaves are extremely dark, but lighten up quite a bit after steeping, producing a dark cognac liquor. The aroma is what really made me decide to purchase this. I knew that I was looking for a typical Keemun-esque brew, one that was extremely fragrant and fruity. I am by no means dissatisfied. In taking a whiff, I pick up notes of stone fruits, possibly apricots and plums, as well as that of rich cocoa (as was also described by Harney & Sons). The flavor is quite similar. Although I am not a big fan of chocolatey-tasting teas, I must say that as a finishing piece on your palate, it is not overwhelming, but rather a major compliment to the rest of the drink. An excellent batch by Harney!
Preparation
As far as tea bags go, this one is not THAT bad.
I have always been a fan of Twinings before moving to my more rewarding loose-leaf tea days. Steeping just below boiling point and for 5 minutes, I can honestly say that it is decent. Yet, I am reluctant to go much farther than that. Where it is lacking is obviously in strength and subsequent flavor. I just cannot draw a lot out of it. With a lot of sugar, though, and that is perhaps the sad part, I can get my fix. Assuming that is a basic formosa oolong, it has a fine light coppery/murky liquor and and carries with it the usual toasty notes. Other than that, nothing unique about it.
For me, this is more of a go-to tea when I am home from college and do not have anything fancy to sip on. It gets me through.
