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derk drank Zheng Si Long 2015 Wa Long by Tea Encounter

1612 tasting notes

Tea Encounter is having a sale right now, 10% off most of their pu’er selection.

It’s a pretty standard Yiwu-region/Manzhuan honeyed affair. It matches very well Tea Encounter’s description. Syrupy and spicy, fairly thick and smooth.

Strong floral overtones in the aroma leave their presence in the taste and as a retronasal bitter-flowery finish. First steeps swallow pleasantly with plummy wood beneath and produce some mouth-watering. Sweet but not too sweet.

The bitterness is pretty well integrated and what doesn’t disappear quickly lingers on the top back of the palate, mixing well with a pure dark honey aftertaste. Moderate menthol cooling felt in chest arrives in hand with a mellow energy.

Nothing stands out but I’d say its smooth character is this tea’s anchor. Good – and solid – but not my preference. I think this would be a great step up for those newer to sheng and those looking for a strong floral presence.

Flavors: Apricot, Bitter, Floral, Flowers, Honey, Menthol, Mineral, Orange, Plum, Smooth, Spicy, Sweet, Winter Honey, Wood

Preparation

Boiling 7 g 4 OZ / 110 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.

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, 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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