Dry leaf – dusty, old barn, dry stall… ( I grew up on a farm, boom exact smell) dirt. Earthy.
Aroma – mellow classic shou, clean.
1 steep- very light, and mellow , hay, and dust accent. I feel like the tea is still opening.
2nd steep- much darker, leaves are opening.
Hay, and dustiness…
Unfortunately, I’m getting a flavor I’m not enjoying, and it’s really only because thats what it is reminding me off.
Raid. Like the bug killer…
Signature smell… that im tasting. Trying to get past it.
Smokey cherry wood and medicinal flavors. Cherry. Almost a cherry cordial.
3rd steep- old dusty barn. Thankfully, I don’t get much raid anymore. Wet, old hay. Smooth, soft mouthfeel.
4th steep- lots of hay. Some malt coming through. Flattening out here…
5th steep- it has mellowed smooth and round.
All in all… an interesting shou for me, as it was absent of the typical. A one trick pony if you will…
Other than the brief raid flavor, it was a pleasant drinking experience. Sending me down memory lane. Nostalgia at its finest. Smell is quite powerful. However, I’m not sure I’d order this one again. It was a good session, but nothing I want to seek out again. I do like the old feeling of the whole process. The unexpected flavors were welcomed.
Flavors: Autumn Leaf Pile, Cherry, Cherry Wood, Dirt, Dust, Hay, Hot Hay, Malt, Medicinal, Mineral, Moss, Musty, Paper, Smooth, Wet Earth
