Jasmine Pearls

This is kind of a middle of the road jasmine green tea. The fragrance is heavenly, and it’s one of those teas that makes me want to strap the packet to my nose. The jasmine is spot on: not subtle, not perfume-y, not overwhelming, not artificial. Really, really nice.

Given its fragrance, I was hoping for a nice, bold flavour to do it justice. That’s not the case here, though: the tea is a little on the weak side. To its credit, however, I didn’t get any bitterness or dry mouth from it.

Another It’s All About the Leaf review:

Jasmine has been scenting and flavoring tea for almost as long as tea has been grown in China. The aromatic qualities of the jasmine bloom and the aromatic qualities of the tea plant are one of nature’s perfect matches.

As you may be able to guess, I’m very fond of jasmine pearls – it’s my favorite way to have jasmine in tea.

(read more at http://www.itsallabouttheleaf.com/1503/tea-review-golden-moon-tea-jasmine-pearls/)

To paraphrase Patton Oswalt: this is a failure tea in a sadness cup. This is the first time that a tea has upset me – I got over it after a few minutes, but man, I wasn’t in a happy place for those few minutes.

I’m thinking “Yippee! I adore jasmine and I’ve been dying to try a pearled tea!” I even found the teapot my mom gave me when I started on my tea journey (a glass Bodum) so that I could watch the agonized tea leaves (wait, what?). Not impressed with the show. I only enjoyed it once I started adding sound effects in my mind of screaming leaves or tiny little “enhs.” I sniffed the sample pouch and thought, “oh, this should be lovely!”

And then I poured it.

Two wafts of a smell hit me as I poured and I was rather shocked. I had a moment of bewilderment where I thought that maybe I had grabbed the Vanilla Jasmine instead. I double-checked the bag: nope, it definitely was pearls.

Then I sniffed and that smell that I thought was vanilla was there. I sipped and oh lordy, the disappointment. Within a few sips I was able to nail what that smell/taste was that bothered me (because I was only getting the tiniest hint of jasmine): it’s a freaking half-eaten Tootsie Roll Pop. You know that point where most of the lolipop is gone (I’m thinking grape) and you’re almost transitioned to the Tootsie Roll? Yeah, that’s it. I hate Tootsie Rolls and I hate their “Pop” brethren.

I gave it a second chance with another steep and it mellowed quite a bit to where I’m tasting more tea, but once something has been smelled it cannot be unsmelled.

Ultimately, Tootsie Roll Pop lovers should rejoice and think about trying a sample of this tea. GA

I love jasmine pearls, so my expectations here might be too high, but what the heck. Opening the packet I get that lovely scent of jasmine blossoms, sweet and for this variety, particularly juicy. I’ll plan on doing a couple steeps and see what develops.

1st steep: 2 minutes, 190 degrees. The pearls are semi-unfurled, and look like little caltrops with their spikes pushing out in all directions from the central core. The liquor is a clear, light golden-green, and the scent is jasmine but with an unusual note that reminds me of a chemical sweetness, almost like acetone/nail polish remover. It’s enough in the background though to not be bothersome. The flavor is light and sweet, with the distinctive perfumed aftertaste that I really like about jasmine pearls. Just a hint of butteriness, too.

2nd steep: 3 minutes, 190 degrees. Now I’ve got a kelp forest in my little pot, with long green fronds gently waving about in the currents of hot water. The liquor is a little cloudier this time, and a little duller in tone. The aroma is still distinctively jasmine. The flavor is much milder this time, and I’m not getting any new notes that weren’t there the first time.

Overall, I’d call this a good but not outstanding example of jasmine pearls.

Here is my 3rd sample from Golden Moon, this time I decided to go with something safe and that I knew I was already fond of! This tea is OK, it is a really light jasmine tea, especially when hot. For this being jasmine pearls I would expect a bit more of the jasmine flavor to be taking the front and center stage, but it’s just not happening. This is a light and subtle jasmine tea… probably would make a good bed time tea.

Taken Plain.
Usually Golden Moon never ever misses with me. I can open up anything they send and adore it absolutely. Not this one. It is a very nice scented green but I have had better. I’ve had a TON worse and this is in no way a bad tea… but Ive had better. I’m just disappointed that this isn’t as good as the vast majority of their other teas.

What I was looking for was a deep toasted green base to add depth paired with the bright floral notes extending down into the base to pull it up into the light. The green tea feels like it is living up to my expectations but the jasmine seems to be the part falling short. It seems almost two dimensional and weak next to the base. Not weak as if you couldn’t taste it but weak like brittle. It does not have depth into the lower notes of jasmine flavor that would add richness to the blend and a more full mouth feel.

It’s ok. It is what they promise but I know that they can do better because they usually do. If you are looking for a light, pleasant and unoffensive Jasmine blend definitely give this one a shot. If you are like me and you want to be dazzled by new, bold and exciting flavors you might think this one is too calm.

Nyaaaa me and jasmine meet again…

This would be one of those that I don’t like much. The jasmine taste is quite strong and I’m not a fan of that. Its kinda watery. Not smooth enough for me.

It’s more drinkable than some jasmine teas I’ve tried but no way I would buy this one…

EDIT
2nd steep was better. i could taste the green tea leaves even tho the jasmine is still overtaking…

I am down to my last 3-4 sample packets from GM. I love jasmine pearls, well most the time if it’s not over powering. The jasmine in these pearls was just the amount I liked. It made for a great iced tea. The green tea itself was really yummy and strong. They were bigger pearls than other tea providers. Enjoyed 2 rebrews, which were equally just as tasty. I really enjoyed this tea.

GM Sample 17/31
Back at school and back into the swing of things. I liked this tea much better than the regular jasmine tea. No bitterness to the tea, and the leaves are so cute! Light yellow green colored brew and very fragrant.

When it comes to Jasmine tea I don’t consider myself very expert. Other than Chinese restaurant teas I’m relatively new to them. After reading what others wrote here I sense that those who are into jasmine teas probably like them for various reasons. I’m not a big floral flavored tea fan. But jasmine is pretty nice in tea, if it’s light. I think that’s why I like this tea, not in a big way but it’s a nice evening tea to relax over.

I steeped it 2 minutes for my first steep and didn’t add anything else. This is not usual for me as I usually sweeten my teas. I think this one without sweetener is nice. The Jasmine flavoring doesn’t overpower the light green tea it’s based on. The tea leaf starts out in a tight ball and unfurls. it wasn’t quite unfurled all the way in 2 minutes so this clues me it’s got more steeps in it’s future. The brew is light colored and a pale mostly yellow color.

The second steep I did about 3 minutes, again no sweetener. It was just as flavorful as the first time. The leaf reveals a quality leaf that is skinny and long from fresh leaves of the plant. Again enjoyable. Obviously you Jasmine tea fans must have other sources you really enjoy for your own reasons. I’ll have to try some another time to compare. Feel free to share your faves and reasons why.