Very earthy. Soil and compost flavors are predominant, with a little camphor that adds body and dimension. A more palatable cereal flavor is also present. Some earthy, woody sweetness arrives in the aftertaste.
Overall, not bad, but you have to be a fan of really earthy flavors to appreciate this tea.
To be honest, this is where I start to wonder about the real value of aging beyond a certain point. This just goes a little too far into the compost category for me to really think very much about it. I feel like it would have been better when it was younger, where the cereal aspects of it could take center stage and not be overwhelmed by the dirt flavors.
One thing you don’t get with younger teas is the camphor note; so if that’s what you’re after, this has it, although not overwhelmingly so. Anyway, I wasn’t disappointed with this tea – it was nice to drink, and the aftertaste especially was pleasant. However, I was not as wowed with it as some of the reviews on YS.
*
Dry leaf – dirt, pond flora (how’s that for a descriptor!). In preheated vessel – cocoa, chocolate, and camphor noticeable.
Smell – composted leaves, grits, cream of wheat, hints of chocolate and camphor
Taste – dirt, mulch, composted leaves primary notes. Substantial camphor notes, but not overwhelming or assertive. Finishes with grits and cream of wheat savory sweetness. Aftertaste has some very mild cherry wood sweetness and just a hint of cherry chocolate cordial.
