This is lovely! I’m on my third cup (the combination of the fifth and sixth infusions) and I am loving this cup even more than I enjoyed the first two. Those were good … this one is great! The flavor is less earthy/smoky now than in the first few infusions, but there is still a pleasing woodsy tone that reminds me of a walk in the woods just after it rains (and there is plenty of opportunity for these kinds of hikes here in the pacific northwest, let me tell you!)
There is a fruit-like sweetness to this cup too – something between a peach and a plum with the faintest grape-y note … sweet, juicy, and not too floral. This is definitely a masculine cup of tea. But a smooth masculine … not what I’d call rugged. Like a charming gentleman.
Very nice way to spend the evening all wrapped up in this Big Red Robe!