Tried the yaobao looking packet from LP’s mystery group buy (I know, I know, yes, I still have it, and yes, I’m still working on it). Gently bubbling water, let’s say 195 degrees, 100 ml gaiwan, and the whole packet o’ buds.
The smell of the leaf is sweet, musty, and herbal. The buds are kind of weird looking to me personally, kind of like little worm husks or something, very papery and husk-like looking. The brewed liquor ranges from very light, almost white to a solid gold tint of yellow. The taste is bizarrely sweet, like a combination of vanilla with a good dose of artificial sweetener, as the aftertaste was uncannily like splenda mixed with an herbal background that was borderline medicinal.
I hate splenda personally, so I didn’t like this too much, but my SO was a fan. I feel like there must’ve also been a good dose of caffeine in this sucker because it hit my forehead all at once in like a rush about two steeps in. I probably won’t be coming back for more though unless the SO requests it.
Flavors: Herbs, Musty, Sweet, Vanilla
