A very rich ripe. Main flavors are carob, cream of wheat/grits, and cherry wood, with notes of Brazil nut and hints of molasses. There are also definite camphor notes present, but they are subdued and serve to add balance and interest to the brew.
The brew is rich and full of flavor. For every infusion, the development on the palate was slow and deep. You could have told me that this was an aged raw and I would have believed it. At the very least, I would have thought this was a ripe with substantial age on it. For a ripe with only four years of age, this tea carries a lot of depth and maturity.
This tea really does deliver an aged experience, one that is powerful, deep, rich, and unhurried. I found it quite meditative, in fact, despite having my two-year old daughter running around me like a crazy person. Maybe I can convince her to have a tea party… ;)
This tea is not currently listed on gylxtea.com site, but it was sent to me as a sample promotion.
*
Leaf – cherry wood, cream of wheat, compost, dark cocoa powder. In preheated vessel – carob, stewed blackberries, molasses, cherry cordial chocolates.
Smell – cherry wood, carob, compost, slight camphor and molasses
Taste – grits/cream of wheat, carob, cherry wood, camphor, Brazil nut, coffee grounds
sorry for not keeping up with the price stuff. For this 2015 shou, THe price is 48$ a cake.