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My last tasting note was my second ever one. It has been three or so days since created that note and I have learned much about this tea since. In the previous note, i mentioned that Shui Xian means `narcissus` which is, of course, the beautiful flower. well, it also means `immortal water` and i bring this up for a reason.

i have been steeping these same leaves now for 3+ days, bout 12 or more times. each time i steep the leaves just a little bit longer. so far i am still receiving the powerful aroma and a quality taste. i am very impressed.

there are a couple lessons i have learned from drinking this tea about tea in general:

1) it is important that you know how to properly steep your tea. the directions on the packet/label/tin whatever… are meant to be guidelines and you should feel free to experiment. in doing so you will increase the enjoyment and longevity of your tea and i believe it is respectful to do so.

2) proper storage of your tea when you are done enjoying it for the moment is an imperative skill to hone. tea can be very expensive. if you don’t take care of it- it will go to waste! the best advice i have for that is to store the tea spread out on some kitchen roll/towel and leave in an oderless, dry, dark, environment.

overall this tea is fantastic, and i urge you to buy some.

For my second tasting note, I have chosen to review this tea which is absolutely phenomenal. First a note about steeping time. The slider on this website only goes down to 15 seconds. This is a tragedy of design because you should steep this tea no longer than the time it takes to pour the water over the leaves and pour the water out of your vessel. 4-10 seconds maximum. Steeping any longer than that will dramatically affect the flavor.

As soon as the boiling water hits the leaves a deep rich aroma of tobacco, almost burnt charcoal smell invades noses chemoreceptors harder than an uppercut from Mike Tyson. Once I recover the excitement begins. a toothy smile adorns my face.

I let the tea cool before slurping it over my tongue. My taste buds sense the tobacco and charcoal flavor. A memory of bitter dark chocolate from my childhood. I am reminded Shui Xian means `Narcissus` and the beautiful flower is pictured in my mind.

I feel calm, happy, and safe. The flavor lingers in my mouth as an after taste for quite some time and I relish in it licking the roof of my mouth.

I am at peace with everything. My mind is now clean. I breathe deeply. Satisfied.

This is my first ever tasting note. I am hoping to do this more frequently, but I have not quite learned what to look for in aroma, fragrance, color, and taste of real tea yet. I will say this tea was suggested to me by Philip @Old Ways Tea. He included a gaiwan with my purchase which was absolutely lovely of him.

The tea is delicious and I will probably come back to this tasting note when I have learned what to look for and experienced more teas.