Laoshan Black Tea – 2013 Late spring into early summer harvest
Introduction: Per : http://verdanttea.com/teas/laoshan-black/
“While most black teas are batch-oxidized over an hour, the He Family’s Laoshan Black is spread out and allowed to roast and oxidize in the sun for three full days before being finished. This brings out the thick and creamy notes, and full body.
The wet leaf of the Laoshan Black has a potent rich aroma like melting chocolate infused with tawny port wine. The complexity of the aroma follows through beatifully in the early steepings with thick malty flavors, roasted caramel notes similar to Wuyi oolong, and a building aftertaste. Each sip reinforces the next building up to a highly satisfying sweet and savory profile.
The incoming batch of Laoshan Black is a late spring into early summer harvest. This time of year in Laoshan is known for producing the heaviest body teas. This harvest will be darker and maltier than the early spring harvest with more chocolate notes. This is the first harvest that Mr. He has spearheaded since our last visit to his village in the spring, and he is working towards a darker richer aesthetic in crafting. We are very excited to share!”
“Recommended Amount: 1 Tablespoon of tea for 8oz of water”
Technique:
1 Tablespoon – 5g (My Weigh Durascale D2 660), 8-oz filtered water (TDS: 72 PPM), heated to 212*F, brewed with a Finum tea basket in tea mug without sweeteners, milk or cream. Four steeps: 3, 4, 6, & 8 minutes with successive steeps being less full-bodied.
Fragrance: Potent Chocolate!
Dry leaf: Long twisted wiry dark chocolate brown leaves
Liquor: Clear bright mahogany red
Aroma: Wonderful, very POTENT Chocolate!
Infused Leaf: Greenish brown long whole leaves
Body: Full-bodied, but not as robust as a Mangalam Second Flush FTGFOP1 Assam or a Premium Keemun.
Impression: I’ve been enjoying multiple cups of the Laoshan Black recently. The understated chocolate/barley flavor is very well balanced and quite unique! Some black teas that have a natural chocolate profile, taste like somewhat bitter dark cocoa. L.B. has a natural delicate sweetness and is creamy smooth, mellow, and relaxing without any hint of bitterness or astringency. Very well done Verdant! It’s easy to see why this is such a highly-rated tea!
Flavors: Chocolate, Roasted Barley
So glad you enjoyed LB! No hype, really wonderful tea!