82
drank 2017 Magic Mountain DNA by white2tea
1557 tasting notes

Not really sure where I stand with this one yet. It’s like a tamed mix of the two most recent sheng I’ve had, both from Menghai but with different qualities. This one had a mellowness in delivery compared to the other two. Is this autumn leaf material?

The dry/warm/rinsed leaf aroma was sweet and syrupy medicinal, with plum, tobacco, autumn leaf and a bitter tone. The taste remained relatively unchanging and lacked some high notes. Short steeps in the beginning started off brothy, alkaline and leafy then moved into medicinal with a buttery quality. Bitterness and astringency were moderate and there was a noticeable but not strong returning sweetness. In the first several steeps, the liquor aroma and bottom of the cup also smelled quite medicinal. The tastes moved into a good brassiness, wood, leaf and dry grass and followed through into the end of the session. Seemed to have decent longevity, though I wasn’t keeping track. I experienced a calm and slow-moving energy that at one point had me wanting to lie down but I got sidetracked. I was able to fall asleep easily once I did go to bed.

This tea didn’t pack quite the punch I was expecting and didn’t leave a strong impression but I can appreciate that. Does seem pricey for what it is. I’ll have to revisit in a few more months.

Preparation
205 °F / 96 °C 6 g 3 OZ / 100 ML
Mastress Alita

I often find that after I drink tea (ones that should make you “alert” like blacks or greens) I instead am out for the count and have the best naps. I sometimes feel like such a weirdo for that…

Natethesnake

I bought a cake of this tea because it was a big powerhouse immediately after being pressed. A month later and meh….2 years later and really meh. This one I expect to be sleeping in the crock for quite some time…

derk

I’ll be doing the same with mine, though it’s only a sample.

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Mastress Alita

I often find that after I drink tea (ones that should make you “alert” like blacks or greens) I instead am out for the count and have the best naps. I sometimes feel like such a weirdo for that…

Natethesnake

I bought a cake of this tea because it was a big powerhouse immediately after being pressed. A month later and meh….2 years later and really meh. This one I expect to be sleeping in the crock for quite some time…

derk

I’ll be doing the same with mine, though it’s only a sample.

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This place, like the rest of the internet, is dead and overrun with bots. And thus I step away.

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. Terpene fiend.

Favorite teas generally come from China (all provinces), Taiwan, India (Nilgiri and Manipur). Frequently enjoyed though less sipped are teas from Georgia, Japan, Nepal and Darjeeling. 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.

Personal Rating Scale:

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, possess off flavors/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 pu’er, I likely think it needs more age.

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California, USA

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