A good everyday shou with a twist. The smell of the wet leaf builds expectations for something quite sweet but the liquor has a pleasant subtle sweetness, reminiscent of dark caramel. There is some of the characteristic earthiness and forest floor of shou, but again in the pleasant end of the spectrum with no off-putting tastes. I also get some very subtle notes of dark berries and cacao beans. What surprised me, and I went so far as to call a “twist” in this otherwise uninventive tea, was the fresh, almost minty, feeling I perceived after each sip. Quite pleasing.
This is a cheap and unfussy shou, perfect for a busy day at work or when you’re feeling too lazy for a 20-step gongfu session.
Flavors: Berries, Cacao, Caramel, Sugar, Sweet