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derk drank Young Bush Unsmoked Lapsang Souchong by One River Tea

1634 tasting notes

Leafhopper, I don’t know if this is an intentionally smoked tea. If it was roasted with a wood fire instead of in a machine, then maybe that accounts for the lingering campfire aroma and taste. It’s a moderate smoke for me.

The tea is somewhat weak. I don’t mean thin in flavor but there’s not quite enough volatility to the aromatic compounds. It’s rather earthy tasting with a muted earthy-smoky-buttery-citrusy aroma, a bit of bite in the throat and muddled aftertaste that most resembles buttery osmanthus. Overall, for some reason, reminds me of a Japanese black tea.

Decent tea, though not a standout lapsang souchong. I have been spoiled by Old Ways Tea’s Wuyi black teas :$

Flavors: Biting, Brisk, Butter, Campfire, Citrus, Citrusy, Dark Wood, Drying, Earthy, Fruity, Grapes, Honeysuckle, Juicy, Menthol, Osmanthus, Potato, Pungent, Tannin, Varnish, Wet Earth, Woody

Preparation

205 °F / 96 °C 0 min, 30 sec 3 g 2 OZ / 60 ML

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Leafhopper
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Thanks for confirming this is a smoked tea. I also thought it lacked oomph compared to other lapsangs.

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Leafhopper
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Thanks for confirming this is a smoked tea. I also thought it lacked oomph compared to other lapsangs.

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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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