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derk drank Wild Style Black Tea - Premium (2018) by Old Ways Tea

1548 tasting notes

So far, all the 2018 black teas I’ve tried from Old Ways Tea have had a strong floral note. This Wild Style Black had long-lasting white rose and sunflower notes on top of a light malty, baked bread base, lemon and orange zesty flavors and a very clean, light minerality. The aftertaste moved from rose and sunflower to sour orange to buttered, baked bread. There is also some returning sweetness.

One thing I’m really enjoying about this year’s black teas is their texture. This Wild Style Black was smooth with a kind of numbing astringency that’s not overbearing. It’s difficult to describe but something I’m really enjoying. I wonder if this quality is present in some of their older black teas which I have in my cupboard but have yet to try.

This was a delightful and clean Wuyi black tea with good longevity and recommended for fans of black teas from this region.

(5g, 100mL gaiwan, 200F, flash rinse, 12 steeps starting at 10s)

Preparation

200 °F / 93 °C 5 g 3 OZ / 100 ML

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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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