sherubtse Send Message

My first autumnal Darjeeling in some time. Pity, as this is a very pleasant tea. Although initially rather brisk and full-bodied, subsequent infusions produce a liqour that is less distinctive but still tasty.

First infusion – 3 g. per 8 oz water, 90 deg., 1:30 min.

Second infusion – 3 g. per 8 oz. water, 90 deg., 5:00 min.

Third infusion – 3 g. per 8 oz. water, 90 deg., 10:00 min.

This tea hits all the right notes for an Assam (malty, yeasty, sweet & tannic), with none predominating. A nicely-balanced Assam, which would be a good daily-drinker.

First infusion – 3 g. per 8 oz water, 90 deg., 1:30 min.

Second infusion – 3 g. per 8 oz. water, 90 deg., 5:00 min.

Third infusion – 3 g. per 8 oz. water, 90 deg., 10:00 min.

A very straight-forward Ceylon black, with definite broad hints of cacao. Muted tannins and an almost non-existent sweetness bring this tea to the brink of being non-descript. A nice daily drinker, for all that however.

First infusion – 3 g. per 8 oz water, 90 deg., 3:00 min.

Second infusion – 3 g. per 8 oz. water, 90 deg., 7:00 min.

Third infusion – 3 g. per 8 oz. water, 90 deg., 10:00+ min.

This is a fairly strong second flush black, with hints of cocao in the first brew. There is also a touch of sweetness in that brew. A very nice tea, but lacking somewhat in depth.

First infusion – 3 g. per 8 oz water, 90 deg., 1:30 min.

Second infusion – 3 g. per 8 oz. water, 90 deg., 7:00 min.

Third infusion – 3 g. per 8 oz. water, 90 deg., 10:00+ min.

A lovely tea that surprises: sweeter than usual for a second flush, but also exhibiting a slight yet distinct bitterness. It is a bit stronger than I had expected from this garden, as well. Nevertheless, this is a very good tea.

First infusion – 3 g. per 8 oz water, 90 deg., 1:30 min.

Second infusion – 3 g. per 8 oz. water, 90 deg., 6:00 min.

Third infusion – 3 g. per 8 oz. water, 90 deg., 10:00+ min.

This is a very nice FF Darjeeling, though it seems to be a tad muted as compared to similiar first flush teas I have had. In addition, it doesn’t have quite the staying power across several infusions of those rivals. Still, a great tea.

First infusion – 3 g. per 8 oz water, 90 deg., 2:30 min.

Second infusion – 3 g. per 8 oz. water, 90 deg., 4:00 min.

Third infusion – 3 g. per 8 oz. water, 90 deg., 10:00+ min.

Although the infused leaves smell heavenly, the infused liquor leaves much to be desired. Too thin, and lacking in flavour, for my taste. This is a nice tea, but nothing special.

First infusion – 3 g. per 6 oz water, 70 deg., 1:30 min.

Second infusion – 3 g. per 6 oz. water, 70 deg., 5:00 min.

Third infusion – 3 g. per 6 oz. water, 70 deg., 10:00+ min.

Although this is a gorgeous-looking tea, both dry and infused, it is typical of gaoshans in that its taste is rather thin and light. What it does have (taste & aroma) is very pleasant, mind you, but there is not much of it.

First infusion – 3 g. per 6 oz water, 90 deg., 5:00 min.

Second infusion – 3 g. per 6 oz. water, 90 deg., 7:00 min.

Third infusion – 3 g. per 6 oz. water, 90 deg., 10:00+ min.

After a week’s worth of exposure to air, this shu produces a very pleasant soup tasting of fresh-cut green beans and sugar snap peas. There is the usual leathery taste as well, but it is very much in the background. A delightful surprise!

Quite soft, sweet, and floral, as far as young shengs go. But it is still a sheng, and thus carries the seemingly-obligatory taste of dirty work pants. The best sheng I’ve had to date, but still awful.