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derk drank 2017 Beidou 北斗 by Wuyi Origin

1548 tasting notes

This seems to be right on the edge of needing to be reroasted. The first few steeps have that aging oolong sourness creeping in along with a perfumey air. But it all smooths out as the steeps progress, lightly exhibiting an incense character with an orange tone in the midground. Vaporous notes of chocolate syrup, orange zest, coconut/husk and charcoal are supported by that lowdown and earthy Wuyi wet rock minerality I find so fascinating. In the final steep, spearmint and vanilla are the most apparent. Mild aftertaste. Mouthfeel never comes to mind. I am calm and grounded but also with a stimulation that has me feeling like I’m elevated and being pulled forward while my toes sweep the ground. Interesting experience. I haven’t felt an energy like this from tea for a while.

Thanks for today’s wonderful complement, Leafhopper :)

Song pairing: Prince — Controversy

Flavors: Blackberry, Blueberry, Charcoal, Chocolate, Coconut, Coconut Husk, Earthy, Incense, Mineral, Oak, Orange, Orange Zest, Peach, Perfume, Pleasantly Sour, Spearmint, Vanilla, Wet Rocks, Wet Wood

Preparation

Boiling 6 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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