I wanted to like this tea because it sounded really interesting when I read about it. Opening the sample pack it seemed promising, smelling of orchids and fresh vegetation pretty equally. I used the whole 5g sample for 200ml of 80C water.

I want to say “1st steep” here like normal, but I didn’t get past that one, and that was for just over one minute. The wet leaf smelled much more of cooked greens with a little bit of orchid. First I noticed a strong and lasting bitterness. Then I could find the cooked greens and orchid like in the wet leaf. And then the bitterness again. And maybe that developed into a mineral-like taste. And then just that bitterness.

I don’t think I did anything wrong here because I used my Breville One-Touch as a variable temp kettle, so the water was definitely right. Teavivre recommended steeps of 1, 2, and 3 minutes, so I didn’t oversteep. I tried all afternoon to make myself want to try for a second steep. I just couldn’t do it. I don’t want to blame the tea, so I’ll just say maybe it isn’t for me. I don’t know if I’ll try the second sample or not.

K S

I have not had the Teavivre version but my tasting of taiping houkui is similar to your’s. It doesn’t match other’s experience. I did everything per the directions or so I think. I agree maybe this one just isn’t for me. My review is here http://theeverdayteablog.blogspot.com/search/label/Vicony%20Teas%20Company

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K S

I have not had the Teavivre version but my tasting of taiping houkui is similar to your’s. It doesn’t match other’s experience. I did everything per the directions or so I think. I agree maybe this one just isn’t for me. My review is here http://theeverdayteablog.blogspot.com/search/label/Vicony%20Teas%20Company

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I’m an American-Australian living in Sydney with my Aussie husband, very active toddler girl and bouncing baby boy. I need tea to get me just to Lil’ Man’s morning nap, let alone the rest of the day. I’m a newbie to the world of pure teas (and loving every sip of it!), having delighted in flavored teas and blends for years. The hardest part seems to be getting the teas to Australia without exorbitant shipping costs.

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