294 Tasting Notes
I love the subtle aroma of the dried leaf. I brewed this with ample leaf for 2 minutes and the first impression I got was asparagus. This faded as it cooled. The color is a lovely yellow green hue with a slight bitterness. I may have used too much leaf. Either way I am thoroughly enjoying this tea. Fellow Steepsterites have commented on drinking greens later in the day because of the lower caffeine. For me, there is a certain something in greens that I do not get in any other tea. A soaring energy. I think this a wonderful tea. Another winner from Teavivre.
Preparation
This is a nice, light, refreshing tea. It’s unfair that I am drinking this after the Mao Feng from earlier. On its own this one carrys its weight. I think for my next tasting I will add more leaf and a longer than 1 minute steep. It does seem to pack some energy I might add. I can only wonder what a stronger brew would yield. Is this one grown among the peach trees? The flavor is very subtle. The energy is not.
I received this from my GFs nephew when he came from Anhui, the home of Mao Feng. My first tasting was at work when I left the leaf to steep for an eternity. When I finally had the time to sip it I was blown away. I knew I was drinking something very special. A very complex lush, green, cool misty forest. Today I have finally a minute to write about it. At first I did not think it was a Mao Feng. It did not look or taste like one. My GF said it was an ultra premium. Quite frankly if I was stranded on a deserted island and I could choose only one tea this is one I would pick. The dried leaf has an aroma I would like to have made into an essential oil. When I am done with this tin {sorry about the sideways pic} I have to have another. This is one of the teas that has the mind and body humming to the tune of the ancients….
This is my first review of an herbal tea since I reviewed Tension Tamer by Celestial Seasons when I first became a Steepsterite. I was in my local organic-health food store buying my usual wares including Tension Tamer when I noticed this Holy Basil nearby. I have read many reviews about this and I was curious to say the least. I doused the tea bag with boiling water and steeped it for 4 minutes. The flavor is so natural and inviting. I cannot comment yet on the effects of this brew because quite honestly I am also drinking the Star of Bulang that I reviewed earlier and I have some of the Verdant Autumn TKY floating around somewhere. One thing I can state now is that this brew has me very relaxed….
Preparation
if you decide you like tulsi “holy basil”, you should know there are 2 varietals that I’m aware of : green and purple. I generally like the purple best as it has more exotic undertones of clove, cinnamon, and the basil-like flavor is secondary. It has a tingling aftertaste and considering you pay attention to energetics…I will be curious to hear your take
I prefer the purple, too!
David…if you decide you like it and want a sample of the loose leaf let me know
Thank you. I will let you know. I have to drink this and nothing else. I need to feel the Holy Basil….
I cannot recall the last time I had Sheng. For whatever reason I said to myself that today it was a must have. I brewed this up in the Yixing and I let it steep for maybe 3 minutes. When I poured it out an aroma of burnt orange and cloves filled the room with this heavenly scent. My first sip the liquid seemed to laugh at me as it went down, tickling me with this energy that only a fine Sheng has. The flavor is much better than my last tasting. My second cup I let steep for an eternity. When I poured it out the liquid was laughing at me from the cup, daring me to drink it. I am so tea drunk off of cup 1 that I think I will save it for later. The first cup made me wise….
I love your tasting notes! When I’m drinking sheng, I often think about how you would describe the tea, and my cup is better for it.
Thank you very much for your kind words!!
I’m with you…the flavor of this tea is amazing and only solidifies my love of sheng pu erh…been so busy that I haven’t had the chance to post and reviews, but I will be putting this one forward as it is fantastic
And I have been busy too. And this Sheng literally is still putting out how many days later? And this includes steepings of 18+ hours at a time.
Hum …reading this for the first time …it sounds as though this Sheng took you on a journey. Possibly a lovely tea buzz?! …Some like the 1998 xingyang have that effect and some others. …Anyway, nice review oh wise one!
Preparation
The dry leaf aroma truly makes me anticipate the aroma of the brewed tea and the subsequent flavor that will follow. The kitchen was filled with the aroma when I doused the leaf with a 4 minute steep. I would love to use the Gaiwan but my time lately has been limited. As I await the tea to cool slightly I ponder the generosity of Angel and I would like to take this time to thank her.
Immediately upon consumption I am reminded why I am so fond of TKY. The tea has flavors that are bordering on a minted spinach butter liquor. The energy is inviting and a wonderful way to start the day. Invigorating and calming at the same time. To me, the sign of a fine tea.
