Just finished my second session with Crimson Rooster from Yunnan Sourcing. It’s probably my favorite of their 2017 shou productions of Hui Run, Rooster King, and itself. Dry leaf smells like dark chocolate, a little maple syrup, and a little bit of funk but nothing that can be put into words. Wet, it opens up more and smells like dark chocolate, earth, and sweet caramel. The soup also smells similar and is very aromatic. There is some bitterness in the early steeps which I like quite a bit along with a hint of funk but already nothing compared to how it was maybe a month ago when it arrived which was very much like hot dogs. There are hints of caramel throughout and sweet dried fruit emerges later on. I didn’t get as much spice as last time but I suspect that was due to some difference in brewing. I think I leafed it harder in the very least the first time. Some tartness emerges really late which I think really rounds out a shou and will hopefully continue to emerge. The mouthfeel of this is so nice – probably the creamiest tea I’ve had lately, super thick and oily too. Compared to Rooster King and Hui Run I’d say that this is the middle ground – not as sweet as Rooster King but not as bitter and pungent and Hui Run but more than enough to provide a really interesting session. I’ll definitely be picking up more of this.
Flavors: Caramel, Dried Fruit, Earth, Spices
