I got this one in on an order today. Just don’t tell anyone I added it in.
Most of the time I let them acclimate in the “pumidor” for a week or two before I get into them. As I really like the shou version of this from the same year I said let’s toss it in the Gaiwan and give it a whirl.
I got about 11 grams to start with and a very quick wash to start out.
First brew very light aroma . Some decent color but it still showed its young age. The first cup was very mild with only the lightest notes of grass , slight smokiness and a bit of drying. The mouthfeel was ok but I think the rest let a bit to be desired. This may have happened since I brewed it right away after the wash. I usually tend to let them open up with the moisture for about 10 to 30 mins.
I let it sit, almost an hour and I am back at it.
Now with a little time and 5 second steeps it is coming out a bit. The color hasn’t really darkened. The smokiness has been enhanced a bit. It carries a bit of floral but only a touch. The drying astringency on the middle and back of the tongue more pronounced.
Final notes. Still young. leaf looks nice albeit chopped a bit. Should be better with a little age or time to acclimate to my conditions. I guess if I was sealed in a plastic bag in a box and tossed on a plane and shipped for about 3 weeks I would be a bit bruised and not ready to open up myself.
Flavors: Astringent, Drying, Grass, Smoke
