I was very close to having CTG’s Keemun again this morning (it’s that good) but I decided that I really should try my other teas, so I grabbed this one. The dry leaf smells malty-bakey-sweet and that smell carries over to the brewed tea.
The taste is sweet and creamy, like a Yunnan that has been gentled with a little milk. It’s very smooth but with a hint of a stouter Yunnan underneath. I wonder if increasing the steep time would bring that out? Though actually, I don’t think I want it stouter. It’s not weak tasting by any means, just smooth. And I wouldn’t want to mess that up. I don’t know if I’d go so far as to say I’m getting vanilla notes but the creamy isn’t too far off base from that, just milder than what I’d identify as vanilla. There’s also a freshness about it that makes it seem almost roasted-vegetable-like. The aftertaste is sweet and bakey/toasty and very yum.
There’s not as much depth or awesome-ness as yesterday’s Keemun, but I don’t regret starting my day with this one.
I have a sample of this…I really must make some. What brewing parameters did you use?
Oops, forgot to put that! Zojirushi on 208°, 1st steep @ 1:00, 2nd @ 1:30, 3rd @ 2:30. Tasty stuff!