85

Finished up the remaining 4g of my 10g pouch this afternoon. I didn’t follow exactly MST’s guidelines for gong fu. 4g to 100mL in a covered glass mason jar. The last time I brewed this, I experienced an almost distracting dryness at 190-195F which is the recommended temperature, so I kept all steeps today at 185F. That definitely helped. I did a flash rinse followed by 6 steeps at 30/45/60/70/80/90s.

Reaction: I think this tea shines when doing shorter steeps that allow for the crispness and distinct flavors to come out. Following MST’s steep times and using 185F water, the brew was very smooth and thick but after the first steep, it became thick with spinach which detracted from the fruity, floral, citrus, creamy and light vegetal qualities. If I were to buy this again, I would definitely stick to shorter steeps at 185F. I think it would be best that way. Plus I picked up ripe pineapple in one steep. Don’t come across that very often. I mentioned in the other log that this could be a good daily drinker (gong fu) and I still hold to that, but only for somebody with fat stacks.

Preparation
185 °F / 85 °C 4 g 3 OZ / 100 ML

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This place, like the rest of the internet, is dead and overrun with bots. Yet I persist.

Eventual tea farmer. If you are a tea grower, want to grow your own plants or are simply curious, please follow me so we can chat.

I most enjoy loose-leaf, unflavored teas and tisanes. Teabags have their place. Some of my favorite teas have a profound effect on mind and body rather than having a specific flavor profile.

Favorite teas generally come from China (all provinces), Taiwan, India (Nilgiri and Manipur). Frequently enjoyed though less sipped are teas from Georgia, Japan, and Nepal. While I’m not actively on the hunt, a goal of mine is to try tea from every country that makes it available to the North American market. This is to gain a vague understanding of how Camellia sinensis performs in different climates. I realize that borders are arbitrary and some countries are huge with many climates and tea-growing regions.

I’m convinced European countries make the best herbal teas.

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100-90: A tea I can lose myself into. Something about it makes me slow down and appreciate not only the tea but all of life or a moment in time. If it’s a bagged or herbal tea, it’s of standout quality in comparison to similar items.

89-80: Fits my profile well enough to buy again.

79-70: Not a preferred tea. I might buy more or try a different harvest. Would gladly have a cup if offered.

69-60: Not necessarily a bad tea but one that I won’t buy again. Would have a cup if offered.

59-1: Lacking several elements, strangely clunky, possesses off flavor/aroma/texture or something about it makes me not want to finish.

Unrated: Haven’t made up my mind or some other reason. If it’s puerh, I likely think it needs more age.

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