95

I’ve had this for a while, and it is one of my top 10 teas so far. It’s a Dan Cong, one of my favorite tea types, from Guangdong AND it possesses some very unique florals that I did not expect. Looking at the dark wiry leaves, you’d think it would be darker, roasted, and fruity. But then you look at the and green and purple hues at the tips, and you actually smell the tea, it will give you a milky surprise. “Milky” tends to describe teas in texture more than flavor, and only a few Jin Xuans actually have that hot milk flavor on their own, but this tea actually tastes like and smells like warmed honeyed creamer with a few butterscotch hints. Overall, however, the tea is predominently floral and on the lighter side of oxidation. Magnolia is without a doubt the strongest floral, with some lilac hints at the beginning of each sip, and a little bit of honey suckle and honey mid sip, dense, creamy milk notes at the end….and again, it’s a dan cong.

This tea is weird because the florals are something you’d expect out of a dancong, but the milky notes with the other florals makes it rival the sweetness of a few high mountains. There are no grassy notes in this tea whatsoever too, and it has some staying power gong fu at 8-10 steeps using 4 grams (15-30 sec increments), 5 western (2 minutes is my preferance with 2-3 grams in 8 oz), and decent grandpa style (though you have to go way up on the water and low on the leaves (3-4 grams for 14-16 oz.) You can also bet your hind end it’s aromatic and viscous. It doesn’t really get bitter, but it can get drying if it soaks too long. That is the only complaint, and it is a minimum one.

This is a personal hundred, but overall, I think this is a 95. I do wonder how tea newbies would do with it. The flavor is milky, but incredibly floral and natural so it can kick most flavored oolongs butts. But if you do not like lactose or mega floral teas, this might be a little powerful.

Nicole

sounds delightful

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Nicole

sounds delightful

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First Off, Current Targets:

Whispering Pines Alice
Good Luxurious Work Teas
Wang Family’s Jasmine Shanlinxi
Spring, Winter Taiwan High Mountain Oolongs

Dislikes: Heavy Tannin, Astringency, Bitterness, or Fake Flavor, Overly herby herbal or aged teas

Picky with: Higher Oxidation Oolongs, Red Oolongs (Some I love, others give me headaches or are almost too sweet), Mint Teas

Currently, my stash is overflowing. Among my favorites are What-Cha’s Lishan Black, Amber Gaba Oolong, Lishan Oolong, Qilan Oolong, White Rhino, Kenya Silver Needle, Tong Mu Lapsang Black (Unsmoked); Whispering Pines Alice, Taiwanese Assam, Wang’s Shanlinxi, Cuifeng, Dayuling, Jasmine Shan Lin Xi; Beautiful Taiwan Tea Co.“Old Style” Dong Ding, Mandala Milk Oolong; Paru’s Milk Oolong

Me:

I am an MSU graduate, and current alternative ed. high school social studies and history teacher. I formerly minored in anthropology, and I love Egyptian and classical history. I love to read, write, draw, paint, sculpt, fence(with a sword), practice calisthenics on rings, lift weights, workout, relax, and drink a cuppa tea…or twenty.

I’ve been drinking green and black teas ever since I was little living in Hawaii. Eastern Asian influence was prominent with my friends and where I grew up, so I’ve been exposed to some tea culture at a young age. I’ve come a long way since I began on steepster and now drink most teas gong fu, especially oolong. Any tea that is naturally creamy, fruity, or sweet without a lot of added flavoring ranks as a must have for me. I also love black teas and dark oolongs with the elusive “cocoa” note. My favorites are lighter Earl Greys, some white teas like What-Cha’s Kenyan offerings, most Hong-Cha’s, darker Darjeelings, almost anything from Nepal, Green Shan Lin Xi’s, and Greener Dong Dings. I’m in the process of trying Alishan’s. I also tend to really enjoy Yunnan Black or Red teas and white teas. I’m pickier with other teas like chamomile, green teas, and Masalas among several.

I used to give ratings, but now I only rate teas that have a strong impression on me. If I really like it, I’ll write it down.

I’ll enjoy a tea almost no matter what, even if the purpose is more medicinal, for it is my truest vice and addiction.

Location

Michigan, USA

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