March Mad(Hatter) Tea Tournament!
Round #1 – Match #14 Yunnan Sourcing – Premium Grade Anxi Ben Shan oolong Spring 2017 VS. Tea Haus – Marzipan
If anything this tournament is forcing me to write notes for teas I haven’t yet. Teas that are five years old. Teas I bought new. I’m glad I sent some of this to LuckyMe way back then, to confirm there is nothing really special with this tea (even when fresher). Which is why I haven’t written a note yet. To my knowledge, I also haven’t had any Ben Shan oolongs before, so not sure what I’m looking for. The first steep is incredibly silky and reminds me of hints of peaches and cream. The second steep is a bit like tamarind while still peachy. I shouldn’t be neglecting this one! This never gets astringent, maintaining a thick quality throughout. It’s soothing and tasty enough.
Steep #1 // 1 1/2 teaspoons for full mug // 20 minutes after boiling // 1 minute steep
Steep #2 // 18 minutes after boiling // 2 minute steep
Steep#3 // just boiled // 2 min
The Marizpan has SO MUCH flavor and it’s SO OLD. How is this possible? It’s also a soothing cup today. It’s the most actual marzipan tea of any tea I’ve had, both with flavoring and actual almonds that take it to another level. It would certainly win the Marzipan Tea Award. I’d buy this one again, but I doubt any flavoring used today would last this long. (I have a theory that new flavoring, like bergamot or almond, has to be more “natural” these days, meaning not only Less Good and Accurate but also not as lasting when the tea ages.) Another tough call but the winner today is: Premium Grade Anxi Ben Shan
Ha yeah I don’t care at all if things are natural or organic. I want fun, strong flavors!
Yup, unless those “organic/natural” flavors can actually compete with the other flavors!