Sugar Glider 2018 Jingmai Dianhong Black Tea

Sipdown! (50 | 266)

I’ve these packets from a Bitterleaf sampler for over 3 years now, I figured it’s time to sip through some of them. And since I often enjoy a nice hongcha as my first tea of the day, this one was finished off quickly!

It’s a lovely, super duper mellow and smooth dianhong that reminds me of eating a warm slice of yummy brown bread, like the kind you often get at steakhouses here in the States. And it also has a nice brown sugar sweetness (makes sense, given the name…) along with a hint of honey and those quintessentially Yunnan sweet potato notes. At the end of the sip, fuzzy and lightly tart apricot appears as well.

It’s a simple and deliciously smooth Yunnan black, not terribly complex but why should it be? Could easily see this one as a daily drinker, it’s unfussy and gives such a nice cozy feeling that I love to start the day with. :)

1st steep 3 minutes: This one is lightly malty and really delicious. It’s reminding me a lot of another tea I can’t put my finger on.

2nd steep 4 minutes, 30 seconds: I steeped this up then got distracted cleaning the bunnies, showering, then doing yoga, but this is still tasty. There’s a lot of the same flavour from the first steep and it’s great lukewarm. As it cools, there’s definitely some first flush Darjeeling notes here – some hay and the lightest malt.

3rd steep 6 minutes: Still delicious with those hints of Darjeeling. Really enjoyable cuppa, all thanks to Cameron!

Solid daily drinker is right! I am not a fan of black tea but Sugar Glider might make me a convert! Sweet and bright, this tea stands up to repeated brewings and doesn’t seem to be drastically affected by temperature or steep time (though there’s definitely a sweet spot).

The tin I received was a bit dented, but I am glad to have it as it makes storing this tea easier! Plus the sticker is too cute. When I share, people are always delighted by the design!